The Surrey Eagles are pleased to announce captain Paul McAvoy has committed to Colgate University for 2017-18. He becomes the second Eagles player to commit to the division I NCAA school after Jeff Stewart also signed there earlier this offseason.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound McAvoy tied Kurt Black for the team lead in goals, scoring 14 times, and adding 18 assists in 48 games last season. He was named team captain partway through the season, and recorded his first BCHL hat trick February 19 against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. McAvoy capped off his year by being named the team’s MVP. It was the 19-year-old’s first season in the BCHL, after coming over from the Connecticut Oilers of the EHL. He originally hails from Lexington, Ky.
“I’m humbled and excited that Colgate has offered me an opportunity to play college hockey,” said McAvoy. “I’ve worked so hard my whole life to be a Division I hockey player, and I think Colgate sees the work ethic I bring every day. They told me I have the chance to play as a freshman, and I believe with my work ethic and drive, I will be able to make an impact in my first year.”
McAvoy will return to the Eagles in 2016-17 as captain, and will finish out his junior career alongside Jeff Stewart, who will be joining him at Colgate in 2018-2019. Although playing with Stewart is an added bonus, it wasn’t the reason he decided to commit to the school.
“I think he committed a week or so before me, but I chose Colgate because it is the perfect fit for me. Everything about the school fits my personality. The smaller campus, college town, academics, and the hockey all are something I look forward to.”
McAvoy also spoke highly of the Surrey Eagles franchise for preparing him to make the jump to NCAA division I, and his overall love of the BCHL.
“Having Jeff and I commit to Colgate says a lot about Surrey and the BCHL. Playing with and against the best junior hockey players in Canada and the U.S. really prepares us to play college hockey and step in right away.
“I have to thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me to achieve this. I also have to thank my family the most, giving me all of the resources to accomplish my goals and really supporting me in everything I do.”
