Graduating Trail Smoke Eaters forward Tyler Berkholtz will play for Thompson Rivers University this fall.
The 20-year-old committed to the WolfPack this week.
He will skate in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL), a six-team circuit that includes the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, Eastern Washington University, Trinity Western University and Selkirk College.
Berkholtz, a native of Penticton, was a key faceoff man for the Smokies last season and one of the better playmakers.
He racked up 33 assists to go along with nine goals. In four BCHL seasons and 195 regular season games, Berkholtz posted 39 goals and 84 assists.
“Tyler was a very huge part of the big turnaround last year here in Trail, his leadership both on and off the ice as well as his daily work ethic were second to none,” said Trail coach Bill Birks. “TRU is getting a real honest and hardworking kid that will have a definite impact at both ends of the rink.”