The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce that Saints veteran Connor James has committed to play for the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers, a member of the NCAA Division I Western Collegiate Hockey Association for the 2016-17 season.
Connor, a 3 year veteran, joined the Saints from the Lloydminster Bobcats Midget AAA Program. In his previous two seasons with the Saints, Connor has played in 90 regular season games, accumulating 8 Goals, 32 Assists for 40 Points and 89 PIMS. A shifty and elusive defenseman, Connor is off to a great start to the season with 6 Goals, 3 Assists for 9 points and 8 PIMS. A two-time AJHL Gas Drive Cup Champion, Connor was also selected to represent Canada on Team West at the World Junior “A” Challenge in Kindersley, Saskatchewan last season.
“Connor has developed nicely with our organization over the last two and a half years to the point where we feel comfortable that Connor will be able to step in and play College hockey next year,” stated Saints Head Coach Jason McKee. “He has been a big part of our two championship teams the past two seasons. With Connor’s skill set and his ability to move the puck and make plays, it will lend well to him having the ability to translate his game from junior to college. We look forward to Connors continued development for the rest of the season.”
“I am very excited to be given the opportunity to pursue academics and hockey at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. I would like to thank Coach Jason McKee and the Saints organization for their continued development of my game, and showing me what it takes to be part of a championship team,” says Connor James. “I would also like to thank my friends, family and my billet family for all their support and encouragement.”
The Saints organization would like to congratulate Connor and his family on this step in his career and wish him continued success moving forward both athletically and academically.