(Spruce Grove, AB) – The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce that third year forward and Alternate Captain, Seth Fyten, has committed to Bowling Green State University. The Falcons, located in Bowling Green, Ohio, compete in the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) and have 10 NCAA Tournament appearances resulting in two Frozen Fours and an NCAA Championship (1984) to the program’s credit.
Currently a team on the rise in the NCAA, Fyten will join former Saints captain TJ Lloyd as a member of the Falcons for the 2020-2021 season.
As a member of the Saints, Fyten has improved his game and overall point totals in each of his 3 seasons in Spruce Grove. As a rookie in 17-18 the Sundre, AB product found the scoresheet 9 times added 9 assists for 18 points and 45 penalty minutes in 48 games played. That season ended with the rookie forward helping the Saints capture their 5th AJHL Championship, posting 1 goal, 2 assists and 10 pims in 12 playoff games.
Last season the 6?2? 190 lbs forward tallied 18 goals, 10 assists with 67 pims in 53 regular season games; followed by 5 goals, 3 assists and 30 pims in 18 playoff games in which the Saints lost in the AJHL final.
Noted for not just his offensive play, General Manager Rob Sklaruk pointed out other parts in Fyten?s game that make him a highly effective and sought-after NCAA player.
?The thing about Seth is that some players become very average if they aren?t scoring. In his (Fyten?s) case that doesn?t ring true, Seth is such a beast of a man, he can physically wear down opponents, he?s an effective penalty killer, a consummate professional when it comes to conditioning. Overall just a great team guy and leader both on and off the ice.? Stated Sklaruk.
?I have a ton of respect for Seth. He comes from a family that traditionally have been Western Leaguers (2 of 3 older brothers played in the WHL) and had every opportunity to jump to the WHL when he didn?t get a scholarship in the first couple season with us. But he stuck with his commitment to our club and the NCAA route and now he is being rewarded, it?s a testament to how loyal he is to his team and his goals.? Sklaruk Continued. ?Fyt?s is an outstanding role model for traditionally late blooming players to follow. The whole Saints organization and I are thrilled for Seth. We know he has a long career in hockey ahead of him.? Sklaruk Finished.
Now in his 3rd season Fyten has surpassed his career single season goal mark (currently with 19 goals and counting) and set a new mark for assists in a season with 19 while more doubling his career penalty minutes with 119 pims this season so far.
Head Coach Bram Stephen has had a front row seat in watching the newly committed Saint develop over the past 3 years together.
?Seth has been a fantastic leader by example for our program. His commitment and drive to get better each day as well as his desire to play the game the right way at both ends with skill, competitiveness and smarts is a fantastic example for everyone in our program.? Stephen continued. ?He (Fyten) continues to get better and better and will without question have a very successful career at Bowling Green. We are so incredibly proud of Seth and this very deserving opportunity he has earned.? Stephen finished.
When Fyten sat down to chat about his recent commitment to Bowling Green and why he chose to don the Falcons Orange and black, Fyten had this to say.
?Ultimately it was the ideal fit for me to attend BG (Bowling Green), the hockey program is one of the tops in country now.? remarked Fyten. ?The coaching staff there showed a lot of interest in me for a while now, I feel like they have confidence in me as a player and there?s an opportunity to play right away next year, which was really important to me.? Noted an excited Fyten.
Having a former teammate and close friend in TJ Lloyd already being a Falcon helped in answering questions and recruiting Fyten to choose Bowling Green.
?TJ was a big help in filling me on the program and why the team and school is such a great place to play. He loves it there, so hearing that from him and how he had nothing but great things to say definitely helped in my decision-making process. I am excited to be teammates with TJ again.? Stated Fyten.
Before finishing Fyten wanted to acknowledge and thank those who have supported him to get to this point.
?I want to thank the whole Saints organization for the past three years, the staff, coaches and skills coaches for all the help and belief in me. My teammates, billets and my brothers and sister for their support. But more than anyone I want to thank my mom for all she has sacrificed for me. Without her I wouldn?t be here today.? Finished Fyten.
The entire Saints organization want to congratulate Seth and his family on his achievement.
Saints fans can see Fyten and the rest of the Saints in action Sunday February 16th vs. Bonnyville for a 2 pm matinee game followed by a post game autograph session with the entire Saints team in the lobby. Free team posters will be available for the autograph session.
Playoff packages are on sale now. You can secure your seat for all Saints home playoff games in the 2020 AJHL Playoffs by purchasing your seat at the remaining regular season home games (Feb. 16th and Feb. 27th vs. Olds). You can also purchase playoff packages and single game tickets online at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca or by visiting the Saints office.