(Spruce Grove, AB) – The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce 20-year-old forward Ethan Leyer has committed to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), who compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) for the upcoming season.
Leyer was acquired by the Saints prior to the 2022-2023 season from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
During his time with the Spruce Grove Saints, Leyer showcased his leadership, skill, team-first mentality, and work ethic. He had an impressive season, putting up 37 points in 51 games and scoring the series clinching overtime winner in game five of the north division final, helping the Saints become the Kings of the North once again.
Before joining the Saints, Leyer played for the Bonnyville Pontiacs and Whitecourt Wolverines in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, as well as the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Throughout his career in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Leyer played 217 regular season games, tallying 49 goals, 83 assists, 132 points, and 189 penalty minutes. He also made an impact in the playoffs, with 33 games played, 16 points, and 10 penalty minutes.
Leyer will be joining former teammate Brophy Dunne at NAIT for the upcoming season. NAIT, located in downtown Edmonton, AB, finished the 2022-2023 season with a record of 10-13-1. Leyer will be enrolling in the Business program at NAIT.
Saints Head Coach Bram Stephen spoke about Leyer’s commitment saying, “Ethan was a fantastic addition to our team this year due to his versatility, selflessness and character. He wore many hats for us this year and was a true professional through and through. We look forward to watching his future successes at NAIT and beyond in the hockey and business world.”
The 5’9”, 160-pound right shot forward spoke about his recent commitment, saying, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to continue playing hockey as well as begin my schooling at NAIT. I had a great experience and made lasting memories with the Spruce Grove Saints this past year. I am thankful for all the support and everyone who has helped me along the way, including, my family, coaches, billets and teammates. I can’t wait to start this next step of hockey and school with the NAIT Ooks.”
Leyer now joins Kadyn Chabot (MacEwan University), Isaac Abbot (Bowdoin College), Brophy Dunne (NAIT), Keifer Miller (Holy Cross), Ewan McPherson (American International College), Morgan Brady (Arizona State), Luigi Benincasa (Ferris State), Liam Watkins (Nebraska-Omaha), Breck McKinley (Bowling Green), Alexander Babich (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Carter Oakenfold (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and Brandon Spaulding (Holy Cross) as committed players to post-secondary schools this season.
The Spruce Grove Saints had an exceptional season, setting a new franchise record for wins on home ice and earning over 100 points in the regular season for the first time in the Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment ownership era. They also claimed the 2023 North Division Champions title after defeating the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Bonnyville Pontiacs in the playoffs.
If you’re interested in supporting the Spruce Grove Saints, season tickets for the upcoming 2022-2023 season are available for purchase at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca.