It was only a matter of time before the NCAA stood up and took notice.
The Trail Smoke Eaters’ 20-year-old forward and captain Garrett McMullen committed last week to NCAA Division I Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2013-14 hockey season.
McMullen, a native of Rochester, NY, sits second on the Smoke Eaters in scoring with 15 goals and 31 points. Four of McMullen’s 15 goals are game-winners, including the deciding goal in Tuesday’s 4-2 home win over the Merritt Centennials.
In 90 career BCHL games with Powell River and Trail, McMullen has scored 32 goals and 67 points, while accumulating 117 minutes in penalties. He was named Smoke Eaters captain in August.
“We’re extremely excited to see Garrett commit to college for next season,” stated Smoke Eaters head coach and general manager Bill Birks. “This was a goal of his and he’s worked extremely hard to see it through. He’s been a terrific role model and leader for the younger kids in our dressing room since coming to Trail last autumn.”
McMullen will join former Smokies defenseman Rajan Sidhu at RIT; the Surrey native is currently taking part in his freshman season with the Tigers.
The Smoke Eaters return to Cominco Arena on Jan. 4 when they host the Surrey Eagles.