Warriors already stocking up for next season
About all the West Kelowna Warriors can do these days is prepare for a return to hockey, and that's exactly what they've done in signing two players for the fall.
Defenceman Pat Lawn and forward Jack Cronin have both agreed to join the B.C. Hockey League club in September.
“Pat is a blue-liner every BCHL team could use,” Warriors coach Simon Ferguson said.
“He’s a great skater who is smart with the puck and plays mean and physical in the defensive zone.”
Lawn is already committed to his hometown Bentley University in Waltham, Mass.
He tallied five goals and 12 assists in 29 games with The Rivers School this season.
The five-foot-11, 170-pound defender had plenty of options on where to play next year, but decided to commit to the Warriors.
“The Warriors are an up-and-coming team,” Lawn said in a press release. “Playing in the BCHL, one of the most well-regarded junior leagues in the world, will be a great experience for me to grow as a player and a person.”
Lawn, who turns 19 on March 26, has a handful of friends from the New England area that recommended playing in the BCHL.
“A countless number of my former teammates have played in the BCHL — Cade Webber, Teddy Wooding and Aiden Porter are just a few. They’ve shared nothing but positive feedback from their time there and have all moved on to play Div. I hockey.”
Cronin, from Hamilton, Mass., scored 22 goals and 14 assists in 27 games with Noble & Greenough school this season.
Including his junior season, Cronin has recorded 48 goals in 56 games, making him one of the top goal scorers in New England prep school hockey over the last two seasons.
“We are very excited for Jack to join the Warriors family,” Ferguson said. “Jack brings a great work ethic and an exceptional shot.”
The five-foot-11, 185-pound Cronin is committed to Princeton University (NCAA). He turns 19 on March 31.
“I also did some research and heard nothing but great things about the direction of the team under the new ownership, the community of West Kelowna and the fan base,” the Warriors quoted Cronin as saying. “The league as a whole is more offensive, and I feel that fits my game really well.”
Cronin also has a handful of friends from the New England area who recommend the BCHL.
“More and more kids from New England Prep seem to be going to the BCHL. Tyler Young (Wenatchee), Chase MacInnis (Victoria) and Nick Caferelli (Wenatchee) are a few friends of mine who played in the league last year.”
The Warriors are accepting more positions for their Spring Camp. For more information visit westkelownawarriors.ca.