Warriors’ alum, Pope, signed by Red Wings

Former West Kelowna Warriors forward David Pope signed a two-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings on Monday.

Pope, now 24 years old, enjoyed three productive seasons in the B.C. Hockey League from 2011-2014, with the Cowichan Valley Capitals and the Warriors.

Pope played 24 games in Cowichan before being traded to West Kelowna, becoming an offensive threat for the Warriors.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward racked up 50 goals and 57 assists for 107 points in 107 career games with West Kelowna, to go along with 59 penalty minutes.

The Edmonton native’s best season came in 2013-14 — his final junior campaign — when Pope produced 27 goals and 50 points in 45 games to finish fourth in team scoring for the Warriors, while also earning a spot on the BCHL’s Second All-Star Team.

Pope has gone on to excel at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, playing in 133 NCAA games and amassing 45 goals and 49 assists for 94 points during his four-year collegiate career prior to signing his first pro contract.

The 2017-18 season was another memorable one for Pope, tallying 20 goals and 41 points in 35 games to lead the Mavericks in scoring, while finishing tied for 28th in all of Division I college hockey.

Pope was also nominated for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award — for the NCAA’s MVP — and was selected to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s (NCHC) First All-Star Team as well as the NCHC All-Academic Team.