Clippers blueliner McCormack takes scholarship offer to Bemidji State

Press Release

The Nanaimo Junior A Clippers Hockey Club are pleased to announce defenceman Graeme McCormack has committed to attend Bemidji State University commencing in 2012.

McCormack has led the Clippers defensive corps all season playing along side rookie rearguard Sam Labrecque, who signed an offer to Michigan Tech earlier this season.

"I am very relieved and happy about committing to Bemidji," said the 6-foot-2, 190-pound McCormack. "I'd like to thank my teammates and coaching staff for helping me achieve this goal."

The 19-year-old native of Thunder Bay, Ont. is in his second BCHL season and first with Nanaimo. Last season with the Victoria Grizzlies, McCormack showed his offensive capability with nine goals and 19 assists but has surpassed both of those totals this year. He is the highest-scoring Clippers defenceman with 10 goals and 19 assists on the campaign.

"Mac has been very consistent for us all season and is very capable of taking his game to the next level," said Nanaimo head coach Bill Bestwick. "Mac has all the tools to be an impact player in the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association)."

McCormack will join former BCHLers Jake Areshenko (Powell River) and Brad Hunt (Burnaby) with the Beavers, whose conference rivals include North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Alaska-Anchorage.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)