Two Trail players have committed to playing for the Selkirk Saints for next season.
Trail’s Ryan Edwards committed last week and Danny Vlanich just committed this week.
Edwards is a 6-foot-2, 190 pound centre who is completing his fourth and final season of junior hockey with the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Beaver Valley Nitehawks. Edwards led Beaver Valley in scoring this season with 31 goals and 84 points in 50 regular season games, with his points total good for fourth overall in the KIJHL.
The 20-year old has also played a key role in the Nitehawks’ run to the 2014 league finals, as his 13 goals and 30 points through three playoff rounds led all KIJHL skaters. Overall, Edwards places fourth on the KIJHL’s career scoring leaderboard with 96 goals and 249 points in 171 career games. He has added another 91 points in 61 playoff games.
“We’re thrilled to be adding another top local player in Ryan,” says Saints head coach Jeff Dubois. “His offensive production in the KIJHL speaks for itself, and he’s also proven himself as a very capable two-way player and penalty killer whose size and strength bring an added dimension beyond his scoring and playmaking abilities. I see Ryan being a valuable addition to our team who can make substantial contributions as a first-year player in our league next season.”
Edwards has also spent time in the BCHL with the Trail Smoke Eaters and Vernon Vipers, scoring three times and totaling nine points in 19 games during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons.
“I’m looking forward to furthering my education at Selkirk College and having the opportunity to play a higher caliber of hockey on a team that has become a dominant force in the BCIHL,” says Edwards, who describes himself as an intense, hard-working playmaker. “My goals are to get a good start towards my degree and to be a top forward that can contribute both offensively and defensively and help Selkirk win another Championship.”
“We’re excited for Ryan as he looks to tackle his next challenge in hockey playing for the Saints,” says Beaver Valley head coach Terry Jones. “We know he will bring his skill, work ethic and leadership abilities in helping Selkirk College continue with their winning tradition.”
Vlanich is a 6-foot-5, 215 pound blueliner who joins the Saints from the British Columbia Hockey League’s Surrey Eagles. The 20-year old suited up in 29 games for Surrey this season, picking up four assists and 21 penalty minutes.
He also spent the 2011/12 season in the BCHL with the Langley Rivermen, scoring once and totaling seven points and 57 minutes in penalties in 40 regular season games.
The Trail product has also suited up in 105 games in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League over parts of four seasons with the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. His career totals with the Nitehawks include 16 goals and 36 assists along with 235 penalty minutes.
“Danny is a big, strong defenceman who moves the puck well and can contribute all over the ice,” says Saints head coach Jeff Dubois. “He adds a physical presence for us on the blueline but will also fit in well with the up-tempo style we count on from our defencemen.”
At Selkirk, Vlanich will join his cousin Jamie, who led the KIJHL in scoring this season with the Nelson Leafs and has already committed to the Saints for 2014/15.
“I feel that it’s a step in the right direction for me to come to a winning organization both scholastically and athletically,” says Vlanich, who describes himself as a solid defenseman who has the ability to make plays quickly and contribute with a heavy shot from the point.
“I’m looking to excel in my courses academically and help out the best I can to keep the winning tradition going here at Selkirk. I’m also looking forward to finally being able to play with my cousin.”