Revelstoke Grizzlies captain Will McPhee will play for the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference next season.
The commitment brings McPhee back to a familiar spot – Camrose, Alberta – his hometown.
“It’s pretty special,” said McPhee, who recently helped the Grizzlies to a Cyclone Taylor Cup championship in Revelstoke. “To be able to play university hockey back home is awesome and I’m super grateful for it.”
McPhee has memories of watching the Vikings play as a kid, and was impressed by the skill level.
“I never thought I was going to play there,” said McPhee, who is excited by the fact his grandparents will be able to watch him play.
Along with the hockey program being in a perfect location, he’s attending one of Canada’s best universities and the cost to attend the school works for him. Being an artistic person, McPhee will enroll in fine arts classes as he would like to pursue a career in graphic design.
In 79 career KIJHL games with the Grizzlies, McPhee had seven goals and 37 points. He added 14 points in 29 playoff games. Coming into the league after playing for the Leduc Oil Kings U18 AAA program, McPhee described himself as a “very meat and potatoes defensive defenceman.”
Working with Grizzlies Head Coach-GM Ryan Parent changed that. Over his three seasons with the Grizzlies, McPhee became a two-way defenceman.
“He gave me opportunities on the power-play and really built my game,” said McPhee. “I was a way more physical player and all-around really improved.”
Parent said that McPhee is a person who cares about his team and teammates and became one of the best two-way defenceman in the KIJHL.
“He was always redirecting credit for success to his teammates and taking responsibility for setbacks,” said Parent. “He pulled our team through thick and thin, right up to winning the ultimate prize in the B.C. Hockey Junior B Championship, the Cyclone Taylor Cup. He will be missed in Revelstoke as not only a leader, but in the community as well.”