Whitecourt, AB – The Whitecourt Wolverines are pleased to announce that graduating defenceman Kellan Cornelis has committed to the University of Alberta-Augustana (ACAC)
Cornelis, a Legal, Alberta native was the longest serving player in Wolverines franchise history having played in parts of all five seasons that the team has been in existence. He is the franchises all-time leader in games played with 197. The always reliable, hard-hitting stay-at-home defenceman tallied six goals and 41 assists during his Alberta Junior Hockey League Career.
He was recognized a number of times by the team for his contributions on the ice winning five different team awards in his career; Unsung Hero (13/14), Most Valuable Player (15/16), Top Defenceman (16/17), Coaches Award (16/17) and Fan Favorite (16/17). While his work on the ice was noticed by most, it was his work within our community that was felt by all. He volunteered countless hours off the ice working with Whitecourt’s youth, reading in our schools and occasionally dropping in on some street hockey games.
Cornelis joins former Wolverine captain Evan Warmington with the Augustana Vikings. The Vikings are coached by Blaine Gusdal who will be entering his 10th season behind the bench with the team. The Vikings finished in fourth place this past season putting together a record of 18-9-1.
“We're very excited to add Kellan to our Vikings Hockey Program. His character, leadership, and compete level are ingredients that will only make us better.” Said Gusdal “We know we're not just getting a top defenseman, we're getting a young leader who has proven over four years in Whitecourt that he's earned respect from everyone he's been around.
“We are confident that pedigree and his integrity will bode well for him in his university career as a Viking here at the U of A – Augustana.”
The entire Whitecourt Wolverines organization would like to congratulate Kellan and his family on his selection of the University of Alberta-Augustana for his college experience and wish him all the best in his academics and athletics.
Kellan is the eighth player on or previously on this past year’s roster to earn a college commitment:
Joseph Nardi – Northern Michigan University
Justin Young – University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Evan Tschumi – Colgate University
Nick Quillan – Colgate University
Liam Motley – Cornell University
Bryson Traptow – Rochester Institute of Technology
Mitch Lipon – Mount Royal University
Kellan Cornelis – University of Alberta-Augustana