Ex-Beaver Valley Nitehawk Danny Vlanich will join former teammate Ryan Edwards and cousin Jamie Vlanich on the Selkirk College Saints next season.
The Saints announced a playing commitment from the Trail native on Wednesday that Vlanich will attend Selkirk College and compete for the Saints beginning in the 2014-15 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.
Vlanich is a six-foot-five, 215-pound blueliner who joins the Saints from the British Columbia Hockey League’s Surrey Eagles. The 20-year old suited up in 29 games for Surrey this season, picking up four assists and 21 penalty minutes. He also spent the 2011/12 season in the BCHL with the Langley Rivermen, scoring once and totaling seven points and 57 minutes in penalties in 40 regular season games.
“Danny is a big, strong defenceman who moves the puck well and can contribute all over the ice,” says Saints head coach Jeff Dubois.
“He adds a physical presence for us on the blueline but will also fit in well with the up-tempo style we count on from our defencemen.”
The Trail product has also suited up in 105 games over parts of four seasons with Beaver Valley. His career totals with the Nitehawks include 16 goals and 36 assists along with 235 penalty minutes.
“I feel that it’s a step in the right direction for me to come to a winning organization both scholastically and athletically,” says Vlanich.
, who describes himself as a solid, play-making defenceman, with a big shot.
At Selkirk, Vlanich will also join his cousin Jamie, who led the KIJHL in scoring this season with the Nelson Leafs and has already committed to the Saints for 2014/15.
who describes himself as a solid defenseman who has the ability to make plays quickly and contribute with a heavy shot from the point.
“I’m looking to excel in my courses academically and help out the best I can to keep the winning tradition going here at Selkirk. I’m also looking forward to finally being able to play with my cousin.”