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Cruikshank commits to Colorado College next season

Penticton Vees forward Grant Cruikshank has committed to play for the Colorado College Tigers for the 2018-19 season.

Cruikshank’s 2017-18 season was unfortunately cut short after he broke his ankle in a Dec. 8 game against the West Kelowna Warriors, but he still managed 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points in 25 games. Last year, the 19-year-old from Delafield, Wis. was a key contributor to Penticton’s Fred Page Cup championship run as he scored 32 regular-season goals and chipped in 12 points in 21 playoff games and was named to the BCHL’s All-Rookie Team.

Cruikshank is known around the league for his blazing speed on the ice. This trait can be traced back to his mother, Bonnie Blair, who is one of the most decorated Olympic athletes in history, having won five gold medals and one bronze in speed skating while competing for the United States in four Olympic games.

Cruikshank will look to get back on track next season with the Tigers who play in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) along with the University of Denver, Miami University, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of North Dakota, St. Cloud State University and Western Michigan University.

Recently, Colorado College has been a hot spot for BCHL talent. Their current roster features a number of former BCHL players, including Kristian Blumenschein, Cole McCaskill, Kade Kehoe, Nick Halloran, Troy Conzo, Brian Williams and McKay Flanagan.

Cruikshank will also be joined by several current BCHL players including Ty Pochipinski from the Cowichan Valley Capitals, Patrick Cozzi from the Prince George Spruce Kings, Connor Sundquist from the Surrey Eagles, Keyvan Mokhtari from the Vernon Vipers and Chad Sasaki from the Wenatchee Wild.