The Oil Barons are proud to announce that team captain Shane Fraser has committed to attend and play for the NAIT Ooks of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), starting this fall.
“I'm excited to go to NAIT next season,” said Fraser. “NAIT has a solid team year in and year out and I'm looking forward to competing for a championship.”
Fraser also cited his friendship with Brandon Ralph, a teammate from last season, as another factor in his decision to attend NAIT.
“I'm happy to play with Ralphy (Ralph) again next year. Having a familiar face in the dressing room will help with the transition from junior to college.”
Fraser, 20, appeared in 151 regular games over three seasons with the MOB, registering 100 points (41 goals, 59 assists) in that time. Fraser also played a prominent role for the Oil Barons this past season, serving as team captain and finishing fourth in team scoring with 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists). He was also named the AJHL's Most Dedicated Player this season.
While Fraser put up impressive offensive numbers this season, MOB head coach Tom Keca said Fraser's work ethic, versatility, and leadership qualities are what help make him such a great teammate on and off the ice.
“Shane's a heart and soul player and a proven leader on and off the ice,” said Keca.
“He's a versatile, two-way player that can take a key defensive zone face-off on the penalty kill and turn around the next shift and score a big goal on the power play. As a coaching staff and organization, we're extremely happy for Shane and wish him all the best at NAIT next year.”
Fraser becomes the fifth Oil Baron to commit to a post-secondary institution next season joining Will Conley (Holy Cross, NCAA), Eric Szudor (Alaska-Anchorage, NCAA), Merritt Oszytko (RIT, NCAA), and Coy Prevost (Windsor, USPORTS).
Fraser plans to study business administration at NAIT.