By Ethan Ready

Kings in NCAA

Spruce Kings making their mark in the D-1 ranks

Jan 6, 2021 | 5:17 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – While hockey isn’t having competitive games played here locally, a number of former Prince George Spruce Kings are making names for themselves south of the border in the NCAA ranks.

While the Spruce Kings continue to have their fingers crossed in hopes of a season getting underway shortly, their staff has been spending time keeping tabs on their alumni, many of which were a part of the historic championship run to the Fred Page and Doyle Cups. General Manager Mike Hawes admits it’s fulfilling for himself seeing their players go on and making a quick impact at the collegiate level.

“To see the success that we’ve seen in recent weeks with those players that are scoring goals, and getting points, and playing a lot of minutes in some Div-1 games, it’s very satisfying for us. That’s what we’re here to do,” says Hawes.

“A lot of these kids were with us in that championship season. It was such a good group that we knew a lot of those kids were going to have success and we’re seeing it now.”

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And the list of former Kings making an impact is lengthy, headlined by Ethan De Jong who has tallied 10 points for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats.

Also with the Bobcats, Nich Bochen has four points. and the list of former Kings who’ve tallied their first goals has been fulfilling for management here in PG.

Players like Patrick Cozzi and Nich Poisson have made an immediate impact. And those entering their sophomore years continue their development, and firmly make their mark. Ben Poisson has 2 points at Maine while Vegas Golden Knights draft pick and current Ohio State Buckeye has three points.

Meanwhile, in net, Evan Debrouwer has sealed his spot as the no. 1 netminder for up and coming Arizona State, posting a 3.40 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage through 10 games. And Winnipeg Jets draft pick Logan Neaton is finding his way at U-Mass Lowell as he’s now in his sophomore year with the River Hawks.