(Spruce Grove, AB) – The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce 19-year-old defenseman Isaac Abbott has committed to Bowdoin College, who compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference in the NCAA Men’s Division III.
Abbott had an impressive impact on the Spruce Grove Saints organization in just one season. He joined the club prior to this season’s campaign from the prestigious Deerfield Academy, who play in the United States High School Prep Division. In 53 career Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) games played, Abbott tallied 14 goals, 25 assists for 39 points and 57 penalty minutes.
Abbott will join former Saint Will Holland, as players to both play for Deerfield Academy, the Spruce Grove Saints and now compete against each other as student-athletes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Bowdoin College, located in Brunswick, Maine, finished this season ranked 33rd in the country, with an overall record of 14-9-3.
Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk spoke about Abbott’s commitment saying, “I am very proud of Isaac’s accomplishments over the year, he was a critical part of our team. Isaac was extremely motived to continue his hockey career and get started with his education. I want to thank Isaac and his family for his time with the Saints and congratulate them on this well-deserved opportunity.”
The 6’4”, 202-pound left shot defenseman spoke about his recent commitment, saying, “I am extremely proud to be continuing my academic and athletic career at Bowdoin College. I would like to thank my family, coaches, billets, and teammates for everything they’ve done in helping me attain this goal. I’m thankful for the time I spent in Spruce Grove and am excited for what’s next!”
Abbott now joins 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 entire Saints organization would like to congratulate Isaac and his family on his commitment.
The Spruce Grove Saints had a tremendous amount of success this season, setting a new franchise record for wins on home ice, picking up a possible 58/60 points at the Grant Fuhr Arena this season. For the first time in the Silent Ice Sports & Entertainment ownership era, the team put up over 100 points in the regular season, finishing with a record of 49-7-2-2 for 102 points. The Saints then achieved a first-round playoff bye, going on to take down both the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Bonnyville Pontiacs in five games to once again be crowned Kings of the North, the 2023 North Division Champions.