The Surrey Eagles are proud to announce forward Jeff Stewart has committed to play for NCAA Div. I Colgate University starting in 2018-19.
This past season, the 1998-born Surrey native scored 11 goals and added 21 assists in 44 games – his first full season in the BCHL. He was the recipient of the team’s rookie of the year award. In January, Stewart was named to the CJHL prospects game as a member of Team West, recording an assist on the lone goal that his team scored.
Known for his vision on the ice, Stewart also possesses an extremely long reach because of his 6-foot-3 frame. He is responsible defensively, and is very disciplined – as he has taken only 27 penalty minutes in 48 career BCHL games. He also has a notable scoring touch, which resulted in a number of highlight reel goals this past season.
“I’m thrilled to be committing to an excellent school in Colgate University,” Stewart said. “My parents are really excited as well. They know how hard I’ve worked, and I’m happy to make them proud.”
Visiting the campus in New York sealed the deal for Stewart. He was blown away by the facility, and the situation just felt right for him moving forward.
“Everything about the campus was top quality,” Stewart recalled. “The actual town is only 5,000 people, but hockey is number one. Everyone knows who you are if you are there to play hockey. They have two really experienced coaches, so I can’t wait to get there.”
For now, Stewart will stay in his hometown of Surrey and play for the Eagles until his commitment begins.
“I’m focused on the Eagles now and preparing for the upcoming BCHL season. We need to win next year, and I’m ready to make that happen.”
The Colgate University Raiders play in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) along with Clarkson, Union, RPI, Dartmouth, Harvard, Brown, Quinnipiac, Yale, Princeton, Cornell, and St. Lawrence. It’s a highly competitive conference, but Stewart isn’t intimidated.
“The BCHL is the strongest junior hockey league you can play in, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to make the jump to NCAA Division I hockey.
“My parents are the first people that I have to thank, but my coaches also deserve a lot of credit for pushing me and helping me improve each year.”
Former BCHLers Ken Citron and Brett Corkey both play for Colgate while Alberni Valley Bulldogs defenceman from this past season, Paul Meyer, is also committed to play there.
