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A Maple Ridge defenceman has commited to Briercrest College.
Jake Gushue split his last junior season with the English River Miners and the Dryden Ice Dogs of the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
Gushue is the product of Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey, and brings his 6’2”, 220-pound body to bolster the Briercrest D-core.
Playing his junior career with the English River Miners and finishing with the Dryden Ice Dogs of the SIJHL last season, he accumulated one goal and 17 assists in 45 regular season games and has been a key contributor in the playoffs.
He was recognized for his off-ice contributions in the 2015-16 season with the Miners when he was given the Community Service Award.
Gushue, 20, played with the Ridge Meadows Rustlers midget AAA team and then went on to the PJHL, in which he played with North Delta, Langley, Mission and one game with Grandview before heading to the Engish River Miners of the SIJHL for the 2015-2016 season.
When Kent Walsten, head coach of the Ice Dogs, was asked to share his thoughts on Gushue’s contribution to his team this year and what he will bring to the Briercrest College men’s hockey program, he emphasized the player’s character.
“He is dedicated and will do anything for the team to win,” stated Walsten.
“He’s a great teammate. We gave up an assistant captain and two-year kid to get him. He’s a good team player. Whatever you tell him to do, he will do it. He’s going to add character to your team. I like Jake and I’m glad he’s going to your school.”
“We are very happy about the great fit that Jake is with our program,” said Briercrest coach Jamie Ramer. “Jake will bring some significant junior experience and size to our back end and we are excited to see him continue to develop as a player in the ACAC.
Briercrest college plays in the Alberta College Athletic Conference
