The Westside Warriors are pleased to announce Tyler French, a 20-year-old graduate of the team, has committed to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) beginning in the fall of 2011.
French is the 14th player off of this year's roster to commit to a college hockey program, the most of any Junior A club in Canada. He is also the fourth committing to SAIT this year along with Trail's Paul Mailey, Salmon Arm's Jayson Reardon and Alberni Valley's Sam Mitchell.
French, a homegrown talent of Westside, scored two goals and two assists in 13 playoff games with the Warriors this year. He also amassed 23 points (6 goals, 17 assists) in 52 games on the campaign split between Quesnel and Westside.
Aa speedy and tenacious forward, French got to finish his final season in the BCHL playing alongside his brother Max after being traded in December.
“This is an exciting day for Tyler and his family, as he has worked hard to secure a future in the game and a scholarship," said Warriors head coach/general manager Darren Yopyk. :SAIT has recruited a very good young man who will be a tremendous asset to their institution on the ice, in the classroom, and in their community.
“As an organization, we continue to demonstrate we are meeting our mandate of developing players and moving them forward in their hockey and academic careers," continued Yopyk. "We are proud that the majority of players that play for us secure scholarships in either the NCAA or in Canada, in the CIS or ACAC.”
“We are excited about Tyler being part of the team,” says SAIT Trojans head coach Ken Babey. “He is fast, skilled and physical player that complements our style of play. He will have a positive impact on the team next season and will help us in our drive for a championship.”
French joins four Warriors alumni now playing with SAIT in Joel Woznikoski, Trevor Bailey, Brad Plumton and Garrett Watson. The Westside Warriors congratulate Tyler and his family for achieving his goal of a securing an academic/hockey scholarship.
