The Powell River Kings are proud to announce that two of its players have committed to post-secondary institutions for the 2013/2014 season.
2012/2013 Captain Teagan Waugh is joining a host of Kings alumni in New York State, by committing to Manhattanville College for next season. Manahattanville is a NCAA Division III program and are a member of the very competitive ECAC West Conference. Waugh played 202 regular season and playoff games with the Kings over 4 seasons, scoring 45 goals and 114 points.
"Kent Lewis bought it up to me, as well as Chad Van Diemen because he used to go to Manhattanville, and then I got in contact with the Head Coach" says Waugh. "We were back and forth for a while before he decided the best way for me to see the school was to fly down to New York. I went down there a few weeks back and it was a great experience."
"Manhattanville has a great Finance program, which is what Teagan wants to study" says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. "Chad graduated from Manhattanville and was able to paint a pretty clear picture for what Manhattanville has to offer. He will be very close to New York City and he's going to have an incredible experience over the next four years."
It will be the first time Waugh has worn a different jersey in a competitive game since 2009, when he was with the North Island Silvertips of the BC Major Midget League. During the visit Teagan got to see a snapshot of life in New York, for both schooling and hockey. "I was able to attend a class and check out the facilities, so it was a great time. After going there and seeing it all, there was really no way I could say no" says Waugh.
The school provides a good balance between academics and athletics, something which will be a good fit for Waugh.
"At this stage for kids, it's also about going to a place where the academics are a priority" says Lewis. "The good thing about Manhattanville is that there's a good combination of both quality hockey and quality education. Teagan will use his work ethic to earn a degree and enjoy his time both on and off the ice. We are very happy for him."
"That was a huge factor (in the decision), the schooling part. They have a great business program which offers a lot of internship programs in New York City and around the campus. After graduation there are a lot of job opportunities" adds Waugh.
Also securing his future for next season is forward JP Villeneuve. Villeneuve joined the Kings mid-way through the 2011/2012 season and excelled during his time in Powell River. He will remain in BC and attend Trinity Western University in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League this upcoming season. Trinity Western is located in Langley.
"Everything I've heard from people that I know who have been there say it's a great school, and I'm just really excited to be a part of the Christian community and continue to grow my faith" says Villeneuve.
The decision to join Trinity, was likely influenced by factors away from the rink.
"Spiritual growth is what matched (Trinity with Villeneuve) and I think that's what lured him there. It's obviously an outstanding Christian school, and we're happy he's found that match for himself" says Lewis. "It bodes well for our program here, where we offer the chapel program to our guys. JP is very happy, and that's the bottom line for our club. We're very happy he's found a place where he wants to go."
Villeneuve will focus on business courses during his time at the school. "I'm going to take it year by year now, and I'm just looking forward to being part of the school and joining the community for now" says Villeneuve.
The Kings wish Teagan and JP the best in the rest of their hockey and academic careers.
