Things are looking up for Shawn Hochhausen. Way up.
The 20-year-old West Kelowna Warriors forward has accepted a scholarship to the University Alaska Fairbanks.
Already set to graduate from junior hockey at the end of this year, Hochhausen will begin play with the Nanooks in the fall of 2013.
A Kelowna Minor Hockey product, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Hochhausen will be joined by a familiar face in Alaska, with current West Kelowna teammate Marcus Basara having already committed to UAF. Basara is also Alaska-bound after this year.
“It’s always nice to have a buddy going, that’s for sure,” admits Hochausen, who has six goals and 28 points in 35 games this season.
However, the veteran centreman has plenty of other reasons for choosing UAF.
“It’s seems like a good program, I’ve heard lots of good things, he says, adding,“it seems like a great place to live, as well.”
The Kelowna native also seems excited for the Alaskan experience. “It’s a lot different from other places, but I think I’ll like it.”
Currently in his third year with the Warriors, Hochhausen has become a centerpiece of the team. He has played in every one of West Kelowna’s 35 games so far this year, posting 28 points and 52 penalty minutes thus far.
“‘Hawk’ is just as important to any team as the 50-goal scorer, or the unbelievable goalie,” says Warriors Head coach Rylan Ferster. “You won’t win without guys like him.”
Ferster contends that Hochhausen is one of the most complete players in the BCHL, and also reckons his value will translate to the NCAA. “He’s going to be a guy who’ll be in the lineup every single night, because he’s just so hard to play against.”
On Friday night, Hocchausen and the Warriors will host Powell River, 7 p.m. at Royal LePage.
