The Powell River Kings are happy to announce the commitment of 97-born forward Gavin Rauser for the upcoming 2015/2016 season.
The 18 year old winger suited up for the VIJHL’s Campbell River Storm last season, finishing 8th in team scoring with 18 goals and 28 assists from 40 regular season games. Rauser was also a regular call up as an affiliate for the Kings last season, tallying an assist in 7 games. “As a call up last year, it was pretty easy to see first hand how great the organization is” says Rauser on the commitment. “I knew how the systems were and it just seems like the right opportunity for me. Coming up the first few times was pretty nerve-wracking, but it get better the longer the season went on.”
Rauser’s energy and tenacity was crucial not only for the Kings during his 7-game stint, but also for the Storm as he helped Campbell River setup for the Junior B triple crown last year. Despite limited playoff action due to injury, the local product was a key part of the Storm’s success. “It doesn’t happen often, but we had a great group last year from the top down with Lee (Stone) as coach and GM. That was our goal at the beginning of the season and we were fortunate to be able to see it out.”
“Anyone who saw Gavin play with us last season knows that his work ethic is second to none” says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. “He hunts down loose pucks, he’s great on the fore-check, gets back in his own zone quickly…he plays a solid high-tempo game. Gavin was a great spark for us down the stretch drive when we were pretty short with injuries.” For Rauser, he prides himself on a 200-foot game. “I feel I contribute at both ends, but my biggest asset that I can provide for the Kings is my grittiness and physicality” says Rauser. “I’m not the biggest guy on the ice, but every time I’m out there I want to finish my check and give the boys on the bench some energy.”
The 5’10, 185 product of Campbell River is gearing up for the coming season, now that his Junior hockey future is set. “I’ll be training with my brother who has a scholarship to Oklahoma next year, so just hitting the gym and preparing for next season. I need to get my speed up with the rest of the players, so I’m working on that” says Rauser. “Like a lot of players who come into the BCHL, Gavin will need to work on his speed and develop his skill set while he’s here” adds Lewis. “He needs to take the energy that we saw in a handful of games last year, and bring it for 58 games and playoffs.”
The Kings will hold their Main Camp in Powell River during August, before setting off to Vancouver Island for a handful of exhibition contests before beginning the regular season in early September.
