The Selkirk College Men's Ice Hockey team recently announced the signing of three players: defenceman Justin Sotkowy (Victoria, BC), Sandra Moser (Banff, AB), and Jordan Wood (Cloverdale, BC).
Sotkowy adds a wealth of experience to the Saints' blueline core following a junior career that saw him play with the Junior A BCHL's Quesnel Millionaires, Cowichan Valley Capitals, and Powell River Kings.
The 5'11 blueliner totalled six points and 49 penalty minutes in 63 contests, and most recently suited up for the Kings in their 2011 BCHL Championship appearance against the Vernon Vipers. The 20-year old spent the majority 2010/11 season with the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League's Victoria Cougars, scoring three goals and adding 38 assists in 39 regular season games. His 41 points were the second most by a VIJHL defenceman while his 20 power-play assists led all skaters. He finished 16th overall in league scoring and also tallied 129 minutes in penalities.
“Justin is a tremendous addition to the Saints hockey program,” says Selkirk College athletics director Kim Verigin. “He was one of the top defencemen in Junior B hockey last season and he plays an excellent two-way game. We expect Justin to step in and be a top player for us in his first BCIHL season.”
"Choosing to attend Selkirk College was an easy decision for me, and an opportunity I couldn't pass up," says Sotkowy. "I'm looking forward to a season of hard work while developing my skills on and off the ice. I've always wanted to continue playing hockey in B.C. while furthering my education."
"I hope to be able to play an important role in leading the Saints to a successful and rewarding season in the BCIHL. I continue to hear great things about Selkirk and the community of Castlegar and can't wait to be a part of it all."
Moser joins the Saints' blueline following a two-year junior career in the KIJHL, where he split 89 games between the Golden Rockets and Kimberley Dynamiters. The 19-year old brings an offensive touch, having finished the 2010/11 season with 29 points -- and nine in just 11 games following a trade deadline move to Kimberley. His career Junior B totals include 10 goals and 40 points along with 54 penalty minutes.
“Sandro adds a mobile, puck-moving presence on defence and potentially a piece on one of our power-play units,” says Selkirk College athletics director Kim Verigin. “We're pleased that he chose Selkirk College as the next step in his academic and athletic careers, and we believe he has all the tools to develop into an excellent defenceman in the BCIHL.”
Moser will be reunited with a former teammate on the Saints roster, as he played in front of Spenser Wong during the goaltender's All-Star campaign in 2009/10 with the Golden Rockets.
"I'm very excited to join the Selkirk College Saints men's hockey program," says Moser. "It's always been a dream of mine to acquire an education while playing a high level of hockey. I'm looking forward to a great year full of challenges, rewards, and a lot of hard work. I can't wait!"
Wood joins Selkirk College following an impressive Kootenay International Junior Hockey League career that spanned three seasons with the Chase and Kelowna Chiefs. The 5-foot-9 winger scored 17 times and totalled 45 points in just 31 games last season before adding another 17 points in 11 playoff games.
His KIJHL career totals include 55 goals and 125 points in 123 regular season games played and 20 goals and 38 points in 36 postseason contests. He also enjoyed a brief stint in the British Columbia Hockey League, suiting up in eight games for the Westside Warriors during the 2010/11 season.
“Jordan was an elite talent in the KIJHL and we're excited to add a forward of his calibre,” says Selkirk College athletics director Kim Verigin. “We believe that Jordan can step into a prominent offensive role on our team and help us reach our goal of securing a BCIHL postseason berth for the first time in 2012.”
Wood joins a number of former KIJHL standouts with the Saints, including former Fernie Ghostriders captain Scott Traverse, all-star goaltender Spenser Wong, formerly from Golden, and former Nelson Leafs forward Scott Jago.
“It was an easy decision to enroll at Selkirk College and help build a winner with the Saints hockey program,” says Wood. "I hope I can contribute on the ice and in the community and I'm looking forward to the challenge of raising my game and succeeding in the BCIHL.”
Verigin expects to announce a number of new additions in the coming weeks.
"There's a real buzz growing locally about this program and the interest level from players has never been higher," he says.
To learn more about playing opportunities at Selkirk College, contact Kim Verigin at kverigin@selkirk.ca