(Spruce Grove, AB) – Spruce Grove Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced today 20-year-old defenceman Braeden Virtue has committed to the Carleton University Ravens who compete in the Canadian University Sports League (U-Sports) for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.
Virtue joined the Saints for his final season of junior hockey after competing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for four seasons, spending time with the Quebec Remparts, Gatineau Olympiques and the Charlottetown Islanders. Virtue played 152 games in the QMJHL, tallying 22 points and 190 penalty minutes.
Virtue has brought a strong, veteran presence to the Saints blueline this season, putting up 19 points through 52 games, along with 100 penalty minutes. The Worcester, Massachusetts native was also named assistant captain of the Saints this season.
The Carleton University Ravens are one of the top teams in the University Sports League and currently sit in 3rd place in league standings.
Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk is proud to see another Saint further his career at the next level and says, “Braeden is one of the best skaters in the league and has been an excellent leader both on and off the ice. He has worked extremely hard this season to further his career and we are proud to see him do exactly that. Carleton University is getting an exceptionally good hockey player and a terrific person.”
The 6’1″, 192-pound left shooting blueliner will join the Ravens for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.
Saints Head Coach Bram Stephen is pleased to see his veteran defenceman advance his career to Carleton University and says, “We are very pleased with Braeden’s commitment to Carleton University. Braeden is a hard working, selfless player who shows tremendous commitment each day at the rink and with his teammates.”
Virtue also weighed in on his commitment to Carleton University saying, “I’m thrilled to commit to such a fantastic program. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me, coming into the Saints organization to finish off my junior career. The staff has been excellent both on and off the ice and have helped me immensely to further develop my game. It’s an exciting day for me, being able to relieve the stress of a commitment and now focus on the main goal this year which is to win a championship in Spruce Grove.”
Virtue joins Luigi Benincasa (Ferris State), Niko Jovanovic (Notre Dame), Liam Watkins (Nebraska-Omaha), Brett Pfoh (Bowling Green), Breck Mckinley (Bowling Green) as committed players on the Saints roster this season.
The entire Saints organization would like to congratulate Braeden and his family on his commitment.
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