A Maple Ridge player is on his way to college hockey in the U.S.
The Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League announced their 20-year-old forward Nicolas Roussel has committed to play for the Wentworth Institute of Technology Leopards in the fall of 2022.
“I am really excited to spend my next four years at a great school like Wentworth,” said Roussel. “Playing college hockey has always been a dream of mine, and for it to come true is something I am very thankful for. I choose Wentworth because of its prestigious engineering program and its competitive hockey culture. I can’t wait to be a part of the Leopard family.”
**COMMITMENT NEWS**
— Swan Valley Stampeders (@SVStampeders) February 7, 2022
Nicolas Roussel Commits To Wentworth Institute of Technology
Read here 👇🏻 https://t.co/o2QTxnvMB2#StampederHockey pic.twitter.com/UyFMakyAEu
Wentworth is located in Boston, MA, is a Division III school that competes in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. It’s a private technical design and engineering school.
“I would like to thank all my family, friends, teammates, coaches and billet families who helped make this dream a reality. Not only have you helped me achieve this goal, you have helped me make lasting memories, and that is something I am very grateful for. Thank you to the Trail Smoke Eaters and the Swan Valley Stampeders for developing me into the player and person I have become, and making my junior hockey experience so memorable.”
READ ALSO: Former Rustler to play for Smoke Eaters
The Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey product played for the Ridge Meadows Rustlers U-18 team in the 2017-2018 season, posting two goals and 14 points in 42 games. The next season, he was with the Vancouver North East Chiefs U-18 team, where he had seven goals and 12 points in 38 games. He also played three games with his hometown Ridge Meadows Flames.
He launched to junior hockey, going to Ontario’s Gananoque Islanders, followed by the BCHL Trail Smoke Eaters, before landing in Manitoba.
“He competes every shift, and is always one of the hardest workers each game,” said Wentworth coach Alex Gacek of his new acquisition. “We are excited to add that piece to our lineup. He is well liked by his coaches, teammates, and everyone he has been in contact with. Nick has those leadership qualities that will fit perfectly within our culture. Hearing Nick’s passion, commitment to hockey and education, I know he will excel at Wentworth.”
READ ALSO: De Bruin wins monobob bronze, Canada roars into women’s hockey final
Have a story tip? Email: ncorbett@mapleridgenews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.