Edwards commits to Selkirk College on eve of KIJHL Final
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Ryan Edwards is ready to stake out the future after signing a letter of commitment to play for the Selkirk College Saints next season.
However, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound center has a little unfinished business on his hands before graduating to the Intercollegiate Hockey League ranks.
Edwards and his Beaver Valley Nitehawk teammates are in Kamloops to open the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Championship series against the Storm.
Beaver Valley advanced to the final by defeating Castlegar Rebels, Nelson Leafs and, most recently, Creston Valley Thunder in the Kootenay Conference Final.
Edwards has been a key part of the Hawks success, scoring 13 goals and 30 points through three playoff rounds lead all KIJHL skaters.
“We’re thrilled to be adding another top local player in Ryan,” said Saints head coach Jeff Dubois.
“His offensive production in the KIJHL speaks for itself, and he’s also proven himself as a very capable two-way player and penalty killer whose size and strength bring an added dimension beyond his scoring and playmaking abilities. I see Ryan being a valuable addition to our team who can make substantial contributions as a first-year player in our league next season.”
Overall, Edwards places fourth on the KIJHL’s career scoring leaderboard with 96 goals and 249 points in 171 career games.
He has added another 91 points in 61 playoff games.
“I’m looking forward to furthering my education at Selkirk College and having the opportunity to play a higher caliber of hockey on a team that has become a dominant force in the BCIHL,” Edwards, who describes himself as an intense, hard-working playmaker, said in a Saints press release.
“My goals are to get a good start towards my degree and to be a top forward that can contribute both offensively and defensively and help Selkirk win another Championship.”
Edwards is the Saints’ fourth commitment for the 2014/15 season, joining forwards Jamie Vlanich (Nelson Leafs, KIJHL) and Connor Beauchemin (Castlegar Rebels, KIJHL) and defenceman Curtis Toneff (Campbell River Storm, VIJHL).
“We’re excited for Ryan as he looks to tackle his next challenge in hockey playing for the Saints,” said Beaver Valley head coach Terry Jones.
“We know he will bring his skill, work ethic and leadership abilities in helping Selkirk College continue with their winning tradition.”
Game two of the KIJHL final goes Saturday in Kamloops before the series shifts to Fruitvale for Games three and four, Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
If necessary the remaining games are set for April 3 (Kamloops), April 4 (Fruitvale) and April 6 (Kamloops).
The winner represents the KIJHL in the Cyclone Taylor Cup in Nelson April 10-13. The Leafs are the host club in the four-team tournament that sees teams entered from Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland leagues.
