Spruce Grove, AB – The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce 18-year-old forward Evan Sundar has committed to the Minnesota State – Mankato Mavericks, who compete in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) within the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey.
Sundar’s signing with the Saints took place in the 2021-2022 season, transitioning from the St. Alberta Raiders U18 AAA program within the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL). Prior to his tenure with the Saints, Sundar steadily progressed through the St. Albert minor hockey system, commencing in the 2018-2019 season with the Blues U15 AA program and reaching a pinnacle with the Raiders U18 AAA program, where he impressively accumulated 38 points in 36 regular season games.
Sundar’s decision to join the Minnesota State – Mankato collegiate hockey program is promising. Minnesota State is known for having one of the top programs in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). It’s also notable for producing several current and former NHL players, such as David Backes, Connor Mackey and Jake Livingstone.
Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk spoke about Sundar’s commitment saying, “”Sundar exhibits remarkable dynamics on the ice, consistently playing the game at an elevated pace. Following a dedicated offseason training program, he arrived at our camp in peak physical condition, and he’s had an exceptional start to this season. Sundar’s commitment to Minnesota State University is richly deserved. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Evan and his family for this remarkable achievement.”
The 5’10”, 161-pound right shot forward spoke about his recent commitment, saying, “I’m thrilled to become a part of this incredible program and to have the chance to extend my hockey journey at Minnesota State – Mankato. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire Spruce Grove Saints organization for their support in helping me chase my hockey dreams. I’d also like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates, trainers, and everyone who has played a role in my hockey journey. I’m eagerly looking forward to what the future holds as a Maverick!”
Evan Sundar, the first Saints player this season to commit to an NCAA Division I school, was preceded by commitments last season from Ryder Matter (Michigan Tech University), Alexander Babich (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Carter Oakenfold (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Trey Fecko (Arizona State University), Keifer Miller (Holy Cross University), and Teo Pisani (University of Nebraska-Omaha).
The Spruce Grove Saints are embarking on their pursuit of a sixth Alberta Junior Hockey League Championship, with a current season record of 2-1. They conclude a brief two-game road trip this Friday in Olds, fans can catch them back on home ice this Saturday as they face off against the Grizzlys once more.
If you’re passionate about backing the Spruce Grove Saints, season tickets for the upcoming 2022-2023 season can be acquired at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca.
