The Bonnyville PONTIACS are extremely proud to announce that 19 year old forward Derek Brown of Edmonton, Alberta has committed to the NCAA Division 1 University of Arizona Sun Devils for the 2017/18 season.
Derek was the PONTIACS Most Outstanding Rookie and team's Most Improved Player in 2015/16 where he scored 19 goals and 21 assists in 56 games. He is the PONTIACS current leading scorer with 15 goals and 21 assists in 28 games and is third in Alberta Junior Hockey League scoring just two points behind Arizona State commit Tyler MALTBY and Quinnipiac commit Matt FORCHUK of the Canmore Eagles.
“We knew that Derek was going to be an elite Junior 'A' player coming out of Midget AAA and his over-all game over the past two years has developed tremendously. He scores big goals and has exceptional vision and play making ability. His coachability, his work ethic and his trust in his coaches has been a major reason why Derek BROWN is the player he is today. As a 200 foot player, he has great potential to be a high performer at the NCAA Division 1 level and his character will allow him to add to the already great culture present in the Arizona Sun Devils hockey program,” said Head Coach and General Manager Rick SWAN.
The PONTIACS organization, our fans and our generous sponsors are so happy for Derek's recognition from Arizona State and look for to him elevate his performance with the Bonnyville PONTIACS for the remainder of the 2016/17 AJHL season. Well done Derek and well deserved.
Derek BROWN joins former PONTIACS Steenn and Brinson PASICHNUK at Arizona State. The Sun Devils are an NCAA Division 1 program located in Tempe, Arizona.
Derek BROWN becomes the 36th player who played with the Bonnyville PONTIACS since 2012/13 who have committed to college (NCAA, CIS, ACAC).