(Photo Courtesy: Vicki Brown, MyLight Sports Photography)
PRINCE GEORGE – Prince George Spruce Kings goaltender Jordan Fairlie (’02) recently announced he’s committed to the University of Toronto, a hockey program competing in Canada’s U Sports.
The University of Toronto competes in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), one of four regional associations that makes up U Sports. There are 19 schools that make up the OUA’s hockey league. The Varsity Blues just finished their 2022-23 season with a record of 14-10-3, ranking fifth in the OUA’s West Division.
“When making my final decision about which school to go to, UofT ticked all of the boxes I was looking for,” said Fairlie on his decision. “For me personally, schooling is very important and I’m glad to be going to one of the top academic schools in Canada because the quality of education will be unlike any other university. I’ve heard nothing but good things about their program, facilities, and coaching staff. I also think living in the big city and getting tons of new experiences will definitely be really cool.”
For the product of Fort St. John, the recruiting process began quite some time ago.
“They reached out to me last season and showed a lot of interest right away. It’s nice to know that you’re going somewhere that wants you just as badly as you want to be there,” said Fairlie.
In three seasons with the Spruce Kings, Fairlie finishes his junior career with an overall record of 32-20 while posting a goals-against average of 2.59, a save percentage of .900, along with seven career shutouts. Fairlie wraps up his time in Prince George tied for second in all-time franchise wins (tied with Logan Neaton and Brandon Highton with 32 wins).
“Congrats to Jordie and his family,” said Spruce Kings head coach Alex Evin. “We appreciate all his efforts as a Spruce King both on and off the ice. We wish him nothing bus success.”
In 41 games for the Spruce Kings this past season, Fairlie finished with a season record of 20-14-4. Through the BCHL’s All-Star Fan Vote, Fairlie was voted as a 2022-23 All-Star and was one of two goalies selected to represent the Interior Division at the 60th Anniversary All-Star weekend in January. He also finished the season with three shutouts, one of which came against the Penticton Vees and marked the only time during the 2022-23 regular season the Vees were held off the board.
“Jordan is a tremendous young man who has been a great Spruce King in his time here,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “He’s a very talented goalie who is one of the best teammates and people we’ve ever had. I’m thrilled that he is moving on to university hockey.”
Fairlie will be studying in the Life Sciences program as he works towards earning a bachelor’s degree. He hopes to major in Physiology and Psychology.
With the commitment, it means the Varsity Blues will now have two former Spruce Kings between the pipes as Jett Alexander (2019-20) will be entering his third season with Toronto.
The Spruce Kings are proud of Jordan for this achievement as he looks towards the future of both his academic and hockey-playing career, and we thank him for the three seasons he spent as a devoted member of our organization.
