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Darren Yopyk (Photo Chris Stanford)
By Pieter Uni
Addressing the need for new blood on the blueline, the Westside Warriors have announced the commitment of B.C. Major Midget League product Michael King.
King, a 17-year-old who played midget hockey with the Cariboo Cougars this season, has decided to make his way to the Westside and the BCHL, despite having been selected in the third round of the 2008 Bantam Draft by the WHL’s Kootenay Ice.
The 6′4″ defenseman scored five goals and tallied 22 points in 39 games for the midget Cougars this season and Warriors head coach Darren Yopyk said he is ecstatic to add King to his defensive corps.
“He was at our spring camp last year and I saw him again at the Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament,” said Yopyk. “I love his decision making with the puck and his poise. It is like he has almost no heart beat when he has the puck.”
Yopyk said the youngster will get the opportunity to play regular minutes and is excited to welcome the top prospect to spring camp beginning April 23.
“He’ll run through camp and at the same time will get a chance to feel out the area,” said Yopyk. “He is a very good prospect and he’ll have a good chance to succeed.”
With the departure of both Brendan Ellis and co-captain Joel Woznikoski, the Warriors knew rounding out the defence would be an offseason priority.
Yopyk said he has been in discussions with King since the beginning of 2010 and had a good idea that the player would make his way to the Westside.
“We talked with him and the family and we thought he would be coming here, but things can change at any moment,” said Yopyk. “He is a nice combination of size and skill and he’ll likely fill Brendan’s position.”
Warriors owner Mark Cheyne said he is pleased with King’s decision to join Westside and thinks the big blueliner will be a big part of the organization for years to come.
“He is very calm, cool and collective and his skill set is unbelievable,” said Cheyne. “We are really happy to have him.”
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Tags: BCHL, Michael King, Westside Warriors
