(Submitted by Alex Hoegler, BCHL communications)
Being a force at both ends of the ice has rewards, including the chance to play at both ends of the continent.
Prince George Spruce Kings defenceman Matthew Stief has committed to playing for NCAA Div. I Canisius College of the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) for 2016-17.
A native of Boca Raton, FL., Stief led the Spruce Kings in scoring with five goals and 43 points in 51 games played. He also played with the team in 2014-15, registering three goals and 33 points in 58 games.
“We are very happy for Matt. He is a terrific player and a great young man who is very deserving of this scholarship,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “Matt is an intelligent, poised young man with tons of hockey ability. He will do extremely well at Canisius College.”
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound blueliner is one of three BCHLers that’s committed to play for the Golden Griffins, along with Nanaimo Clippers forward Matt Hoover and Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Nick Hutchison. He is also the lone Spruce King currently committed to an NCAA team.
Canisius, located in Buffalo, N.Y., currently has one other BCHL grad on its roster, former Coquitlam Express forward Cody Boyd.
Other teams in Canisius’ conference are Air Force, AIC, Army West Point, Bentley, Holy Cross, Mercyhurst, Niagara, Robert Morris, RIT and Sacred Heart.
