The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce that rookie forward Jordan Biro has committed to Denver University. Biro will suit up for the Pioneers hockey program, located in Denver, Colorado who compete in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). One of the most decorated NCAA hockey programs, the Pioneers boast twenty-nine NCAA tournament appearances and eight National Championships, most recently winning the 2017 NCAA Division I National Championship.
Biro, a 2000 born forward is set become a Pioneer after following his older brother Brandon’s foot steps by joining the Saints as rookie this season. In 50 games in his first junior campaign, Biro tallied 8 goals and 24 assists for a total of 32 points, and a modest 10 penalty minutes. Biro has brought his game to a new level amassing 3 goals and 5 assists in 8 playoff games as part of another Saints playoff run to the AJHL final.
The diminutive 5’8”, 145 -pound forward summed up his whirlwind week. “I was just focused on the team and the playoffs, but after game two against Whitecourt, Denver’s Head Coach Jim Montgomery came down to our dressing room and offered me a scholarship. It was pretty unexpected because I hadn’t really spoken with them this year, kind of a surreal experience considering how prestigious Denver University is.”
After the Saints advanced to the AJHL final and Jordan had some time to discuss this opportunity with his family, Biro knew what his decision would be. “To be able to pull on that Pioneers jersey, with such a winning culture, it is definitely exciting. I’m looking forward to carrying on the winning tradition in Denver.” Biro finished with a bevy of people to thank. “I want to thank my family, all my teammates, previous coaches and friends for their support. I especially want to thank my dad for helping me develop over the years, and the whole Saints organization for all they have done for me.”
General Manager Rob Sklaruk has enjoyed watching the Sherwood Park native excel this season.
“Jordan’s a can’t miss talent that Denver jumped all over. His progression as player has been off the charts this season. His ability to create time and space for teammates and his patience with the puck is on par with the elite level talent in this league.” Sklaruk continued, ”What’s most impressive to me is Jordan’s ability to out battle and win pucks against much bigger and stronger players, he is fearless, that speaks a lot about the person he is, and we are so thrilled for him and his family.”
Head coach Bram Stephen saw a budding talent when camp started this year.
“Since day one when training camp began you could see that Jordan had the tools to be successful in the AJHL and at the higher levels. The question became just how long it would take. He has definitely surpassed our projections for him this year. Securing a scholarship from a program like Denver is proof of that.” Stephen also noted that Biro is more than just a highly skilled forward. “Jordan is trusted centreman who the coaching staff have relied on to take key face offs in the playoffs while skating against some tough match ups down the stretch. That is not easy to do as a rookie and Jordan has excelled at that as well. We are so proud of what Jordan has accomplished in a short amount of time, and expect big things from him as a Saint and beyond.”
Biro will join former and current Saints Ian Mitchell and Sean Comrie on the Denver roster.
Biro is the sixth Saint to commit this season and eighth current Saint that has secured an NCAA Div. I or USPORTS scholarship.
The Saints organization would like to congratulate Jordan and his family on his exciting achievement.