Recruit Update

For the first time in the history of the hockey program UAA has completed a recruiting class during the early signing period. On paper the 06-07 UAA recruiting class is probably the most talented class ever to commit to the school. Coach Shyiak along with his hardworking assistants Keith Morris and Jack Kowal deserve a huge pat on the back for a job very well done.

From the research I’ve done I’d say that four of the seven recruits they’ve signed appear to be fully-fledged studs. Erik Felde, Josh Lunden, Ken Selby and Kevin Clark are all performing exceptionally well in their current junior leagues. Felde and Lunden play in the British Columbia Hockey League while Clark and Selby are skating in the Manitoba Jr. Hockey League.

On December 7th the CJAHL (Canadian Jr. A. Hockey League) held a prospects game in Yorkton, SK. In conjunction with NHL scouts this first ever tournament invited 40 of the top players from across all the Canadian Jr. A leagues. Felde, Selby and Clark were all selected to play in the tournament on the West team. Erik Felde was named player of the game from the West squad. Ken Selby won the fastest skater competition. Click here for the game report.

This was a high-end prospects game featuring the 40 best Jr. A players in Canada. And three of those top 40 are coming to UAA next year. Sweet.

Here are their current numbers:
Lunden – Chilliwack – 33games 22g-30a (3rd overall)
Felde – Vernon – 35games 14g-31a (14th overall)
Selby – Dauphin – 36games 25g-16a (17th overall/6th in goals)
Clark – Winnipeg S. 36games 27g-27a (7th overall/5th in goals)

Jon Olthius was named as one of the three goalies for the Interior Conference BCHL All-Star team. Erik Felde was also named to the same team. It’s worth noting (for any number of reasons) that Josh Lunden is playing on a line with two other high scoring BCHL forwards on what is probably the top line in the entire league.

Here is a link to the schools announcement for all 7 recruits. There are lots of interesting comments from the players current coaches as well as Shyiak's comments about each player. Good Stuff. Give it a look.