Leafs’ defenceman Davis commits to ACHA Saginaw Valley State University

Leafs' Davis signs in ACHA

Photo: Submitted

Dawson Davis

The third defenceman from the Nelson Leafs has signed a college commitment.

Dawson Davis has committed to play collegiate hockey for the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals in the American Collegiate Hockey Association this fall.

The Fort St. James native had five points in 38 regular season games, then played in four playoff games. He is the third Leafs player to commit to the program.

In their social media announcement, the Cardinals describe Davis as a versatile player capable of playing forward and defence.

“He brings a valuable level of maturity and leadership to our team,” the Cardinals wrote. “On the ice, Dawson is known for his fast-paced style, bringing energy and playmaking abilities to every shift.”

The 21-year-old played in 118 career Kootenay International Junior Hockey League regular season games, scoring 11 goals, adding 27 assists for 38 points.

The 5-10, 160-pound defenceman played in 15 career KIJHL Teck Cup playoff games, collecting two points. Davis came to the Leafs from the Okanagan Hockey Academy U18 Prep team.

Leafs’ Gregga commits to ACHA Saginaw Valley State University

Leafs’ Gregga signs in ACHA

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Nelson Leafs' Ryder Gregga.

Ryder Gregga of the Nelson Leafs will play for the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals in the American Collegiate Hockey Association this fall.

Gregga, a Markham, Ont., native played in four Kootenay International Junior Hockey League games for the Leafs and went 2-1-0 with a 3.71 goals against average with a .888 save percentage. He played in four KIJHL Teck Cup playoff games, going 0-4 with a 3.51 GAA and a .904 SP.

Gregga began his KIJHL career with the 100 Mile House Wranglers. In 41 career KIJHL regular season games, he went 11-23-0 with a 3.51 GAA with a .907 SP.

In his six career KIJHL playoff games, he posted a .907 SP. Gregga began his junior hockey career in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Elliot Lake Red Wings in 2021-22.

Leafs’ Crawford joins ACHA’s Oswego State Lakers

Crawford signs with Lakers

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Nelson Leaf Carsyn Crawford will be playing with the Oswego State Lakers next season.

Carsyn Crawford of the KIJHL’s Nelson Leafs will play for Oswego State Lakers, based in Oswego, N.Y., in the American Collegiate Hockey Association division one this fall.

The Airdrie, Alta., native had a career season setting new highs in goals (nine), assists (16) and points (25). Crawford said he improved his leadership abilities as well as "my transition game and offensive ability.”

In an announcement on their website, the Lakers stated that Crawford brings a strong two-way game that should provide additional stability to a backend, which returns most of its core from last season’s championship run. The Lakers won a second straight Northeast Collegiate Hockey League championship.

“Carsyn is the full package for us. He can defend well, assist in the transition game, and help produce in the offensive zone,” said Lakers head coach Travis Hyde. “A great player, but better human, we are very excited about him joining us in the fall.”

Crawford, 21, spent his entire junior career with the Leafs and said the organization helped him earn this opportunity by creating a “great atmosphere to get better on and off the ice.”

Over his three seasons, Crawford played in 119 career KIJHL regular season games, posting 16 goals, 38 assists for 54 points. He also played in 15 career KIJHL Teck Cup playoff games and had five points. Crawford joined the Leafs from the Airdrie CFR Bisons U18AAA program.

KIJHL to partner with South-Central Interior Distance Education School

Distance education in KIJHL

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To learn more about the KIJHL’s partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School and their junior hockey program, visit https://www.kijhl.ca/scides.

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) is creating an educational partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School (SCIDES) and School District 58 to provide distance education services and resources to KIJHL student-athletes.

The South-Central Interior Distance Education School is a publicly funded provincial online learning school (POLS) in School District 58 (Nicola Similkameen) that offers a wide range of academic and elective courses that enable learners to pursue a large variety of graduating paths.

They have experience in working with student-athletes who are focused in achieving excellence both academically and within competitive sport, and their online course offerings are supported by B.C.-certified and trained educators as well as administrative officers responsible for school operations.

“SCIDES understands the challenges associated with balancing junior hockey and academics, and the structure and guidance their programs and staff provide to our student-athletes will have a direct impact on optimizing their achievements both on and off the ice,” said KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois.

As part of their comprehensive competitive athlete program, the SCIDES Junior Hockey Program offers educational programming designed to meet the unique needs of junior hockey players, he added.

The tailored programming is ideal for junior hockey players as it works with the demands of training, competition, and travel to ensure learners are not sacrificing education for hockey or vice versa.

The junior hockey program delivers an education that covers all B.C. graduation requirements and currently includes many students playing across a variety of junior leagues, including both school aged students and graduated students upgrading courses. SCIDES alumni include NHL draft picks and NCAA scholarship recipients.

“The emphasis the KIJHL has placed on offering strong educational programming for their players makes them a leader among junior leagues across the country,” said SCIDES athlete advisor and teacher, Corey Hermiston.

“The league’s approach to education and athlete growth aligns with SCIDES values, as we aim to provide educational opportunities for athletes that facilitate athletic, scholastic, and personal growth to ensure we are setting learners up for success both during and after hockey.”

Over the past four years, the KIJHL has been working to build its educational program for student-athletes under the guidance of Tom McEvay, the league’s director of education services. McEvay oversees a network of team-based advisors that work with their players to guide educational decisions with a focus on pathways to college hockey and life.

“Having spent 34 years in public education as a teacher, counsellor, and principal, I am aware the unique educational pressures and challenges facing our high school aged players and older players looking to upgrade or enhance their transcripts to prepare for college or university,” said McEvay. “Working with a high-quality distance education program with exceptional teachers like Corey is an option I am proud we can present to them.”

• To learn more about the KIJHL’s partnership with the South-Central Interior Distance Education School and their junior hockey program, visit https://www.kijhl.ca/scides.