The Powell River Kings are proud to announce the commitment of 17-year-old defenceman Andy Stevens from Campbell River.
The 6’2, 195lb Campbell River product should be a name familiar with Kings fans, as Stevens played 12 games during the regular season and playoffs with the Kings last season. “When I was an AP last season, I found out first hand that Powell River was such a first class organization with a great coaching staff and a great group of guys in the room” says Stevens on the decision to come to the Kings. “It seems like a great place to live and a good place for me to develop.”
“Andy is a high end defenceman who garnered a lot of WHL and BCHL interest” says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. “Even at 16 with us last season in the regular season and playoffs, he showed a lot of maturity with the puck and his play away from it, he was a good kid to have in the room down the stretch and we’re happy to add him to the roster permanently this season.”
Away from Powell River, Stevens patrolled the blue line for his hometown Campbell River Storm in the VIJHL, scoring 2 goals and adding 15 assists in 40 regular season games.
He also helped the Storm to a magical season that saw them win the VIJHL, Cyclone Taylor and Keystone Cups as Western Canada’s top Junior B team. “Obviously that’s a once in a lifetime experience to win a Junior B Championship” says Stevens on the achievement. “It was tough, a lot of hockey, but it was well worth it and something I’ll never forget.”
“We were very happy for Andy’s success and the Storm’s season last year” adds Lewis. “We’ve fostered a great relationship between the two clubs, that was evident when Andy joined us during their playoffs, missing some of their games to play for us.”
After a busy season, Stevens is excited to get back to hockey come August, and will prepare for the grind of a 58+ game Junior A schedule. “I’m already a pretty tall guy for my age, but I really need to fill out a bit and put on some muscle” says Stevens. “Junior A is a faster game, I felt I did well as an affiliate last season, but I need to work on getting faster and more powerful.”
“Andy is young, but he’s skilled and he’s going to develop here” says Lewis on early expectations for Stevens. “He skates well, he makes smart, simple plays and that’s what we ask out of our defensemen.”
Stevens will spend the off-season at home in Campbell River, before joining the Kings in late-August ahead of Main Camp at the Hap towards the end of the month. The Kings are currently preparing for their Spring Camp in Kamloops at the end of May. Information and registration can be found here.
