All summer we’ll be going team-by-team to profile new players coming in for the 2019-20 season with recaps of offseason commits and acquisitions. We will also have interviews and scouting reports from the coaches.
Last up is the West Kelowna Warriors.
The Warriors finished sixth in the Interior Division last season and took the defending league-champs the Wenatchee Wild to seven games in their first-round series before bowing out.
The team brought in Brandon West as head coach late in the season and now with a full offseason of recruiting under his belt, he is hoping to implement his preferred style of play to start this year.
“In our recruiting, we were looking for guys that could play on both sides of the puck and guys that have a high hockey IQ with a high skillset,” said West. “We want to be a puck-possession team that has a lot of team speed with our passing and our skating. We also want to take care of our own end. We’re going to play fast and we’re going to play hard and that’s what’s going to be expected every day.”
2019-20 commits
Jake Harrison (1999, D)
Hometown: West Kelowna, B.C.- Previous team: Fargo Force (USHL)
- Commitment: University of Michigan (2020-21)
After spending a year in the USHL, the hometown kid returns to the Warriors where he previously spent three seasons, including 2015-16 where he won a Fred Page Cup and a National Championship. Last year with Fargo, Harrison had two goals and eight assists in 49 games. He’s been named team captain for 2019-20.
West’s scouting report:
“Jake is everything you want in a player. He’s competitive on and off the ice, he’s a tremendous leader and his skillset that he brings to the table is second to none. We’re very excited to have him back and be our captain.”
John Evans (2002, F)
Hometown: South Surrey, B.C.- Previous team: Delta Hockey Academy Prep (CSSHL)
The 17-year-old had over two points per game last season, finishing the year with 72 in 35 games to lead his team and finish fourth overall in the CSSHL. He played eight games for the Surrey Eagles last season and chipped in with one goal.
West’s scouting report:
“John is an elite, skilled player that has great vision on the ice. He has youth and talent that we were very eager to bring in.”
Nick Ardanaz (2002, D)
Hometown: Langley, B.C.- Previous team: Delta Hockey Academy Prep (CSSHL)
- Commitment: University of New Hampshire (2021-22)
Ardanaz totaled five goals and 25 assists for 30 points in 33 games last year with Delta. He also played in three BCHL contests as an affiliate with the Vernon Vipers.
West’s scouting report:
“Nick is a highly-skilled defenceman that competes on both sides of the puck and he brings a mature defensive game that we look forward to utilizing on our back end.”
Jacob Brockman (2001, F)
Hometown: El Segundo, Calif.- Previous team: Los Angeles Jr. Kings U18 (T1EHL U18)
The 18-year-old tied for third in scoring on the Kings last year with 21 points in 29 games.
West’s scouting report:
“He’s a big power forward who is able to protect pucks in small areas while using his frame. We’re going to look to him to provide us some offence and to be able to play in all situations.”
Photo credits: MJoy Photography (Harrison), Garrett James Photography (Evans, Ardanaz), California Rubber Magazine (Brockman)
