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de Jong and Poisson Commit for 2016/2017

(Ethan de Jong and Ben Poisson, photos by Damon James)

 

The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the commitment of two players from the Burnaby Winter Club (BWC) Prep U-18 team for the 2016/17 season. 1999 born forwards, Ethan de Jong from North Vancouver and Ben Poisson from Vancouver have both committed to play for the Spruce Kings next year. “It’s definitely exciting that we were able to get commitments from two tremendous young players and what’s equally exciting is that they are both quality people who will fit in well with the culture within our group. Our coaches, Chad and Adam, both did a great job in the recruitment of Ethan and Ben and I know that they look forward to working with both of those young players over the next several seasons” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes

In 39 games with the BWC Prep U-18, de Jong leads the team in assists (33), power play assists (12), and points (53). He is second on the team in goals (20) and power play goals (5). “The Spruce Kings just showed so much interest, and were so enthusiastic about it, so it was a must commit for me ,” said de Jong regarding committing with the Spruce Kings. Last year with the BWC Elite 15, de Jong finished second in team scoring five points behind the leader, but also played in eight fewer games. In eight games as an affiliated player with Prince George this season, he has two assists. “Ethan is a very gifted player who’s hockey IQ is off the charts. Combine that with his skating ability and his competitiveness and you have one heck of a player. Our fans will enjoy watching this young man develop over the next few seasons” said Mike Hawes

Ben Poisson was a late addition this season as an affiliate player for the Spruce Kings, but impressed the coaches right off the bat. “There’s a lot of opportunity. They play guys accordingly to how they’re playing so you have to earn your ice team. For next year I want to bring a physical game with lots of offensive threat, and lots of battle and compete,” said Poisson on what he’s expecting next year. In six games with the club he has yet to score a point, but was one of the team’s most dangerous players this weekend when he joined Prince George for games at home against the Chilliwack Chiefs and Merritt Centennials. In 39 games with the BWC Prep U-18 team this year, Poisson has 26 points in 39 games, and sits second in shots with 135. “Ben is a big strong player who possesses an excellent skill set. His offensive instincts are very good, he skates very well and enjoys using his body to his advantage. He plays a complete game and is the type of player that our coaches will love to have available to them” said Mike Hawes

The two forwards will join BWC teammate Liam Watson-Brawn next season as the blueliner committed to the Spruce Kings earlier this year along with Jesse Pomeroy from the Cariboo Cougars. “I grew up with Liam, and we’re really good friends. For Ethan I’ve been with and against him throughout my entire career so I’m really excited to play with him next year,” said Poisson on playing with his current teammates again next season.

For more information please contact the Spruce Kings office at 250-564-1747.