Six Player Commitments Announced

Press Release

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the commitments of six players for the 2011-12 season. The team received commitments from local hockey products Sean Landrey and Jared Crossan, Scott and Spencer McHaffie from Surrey, Cody Bardock from Lethbridge Alberta and Michael Klonarakis from Kitimat, BC.

"Now that the Spring Camp is over, we are thrilled to be able to announce a total of six player commitments," said Spruce Kings General Manager, Mike Hawes. "Our Spring Camp had, without question, the most talented group of players that we have been able to assemble for a Prospect Camp. From this talent pool, we were able to secure commitments from three forwards and one defenceman. We also had two player commitments that came prior to the Spring Camp."

Jared Crossan is a 1993 born 5' 11" 185 lbs defencman from Prince George who played the past two seasons with the Cariboo Major Midget Cougars and played in the 2011 BCMML All Star Game. Crossan also played in four games as an affiliate player with the Spruce Kings this season. Crossan provided his commitment to the Spruce Kings prior to the Spring Camp.

Sean Landrey is a 1993 born forward from Prince George who stands 6' 4" and 210 lbs. Landrey played last season with the Prince George Midget Tier 1 team and also suited up for the Spruce Kings as an affiliate player in seven games picking up a goal and an assist. Landrey also made his commitment to the Spruce Kings in advance of the Spring Camp.

"Having local players on our team is important to us and to the community," said Hawes. "Sean is a big, strong power forward that will be an imposing force for us next season and beyond. Jared is a great puck moving defenseman who sees the ice very well and possesses a tremendous shot. We look for big things from both Jared and Sean in the coming years."

Twin brothers Scott and Spencer McHaffie have also committed to the Prince George Spruce Kings. Born in 1994, both boys are 5' 9" and 175 lbs forwards from Surrey, BC. They recently completed their hockey seasons by winning a provincial title with the Surrey Thunder Midget Tier 1 team. Both players attended the Spruce Kings Spring Prospect Camp after being spotted at the provincial tournament by Spruce Kings regional scout Colton Buffie.

"We are very fortunate that Scott and Spencer have committed to the Spruce Kings," said Hawes. "They are very dynamic players that possess tremendous speed and skill. These two will be fan favourites at the Prince George Coliseum this season and for many seasons to come."

Cody Bardock is a towering defenceman at 6' 4" and 210 lbs from Lethbridge, Alberta where he played with the Midget AAA Hurricanes.

He attended the recent Spruce Kings Spring Prospect Camp and really caught the attention of Spruce Kings management, coaches and scouts.

"Cody is a big, strong, physical defenceman who does everything well," continued Hawes. "He is a smart player who makes the right plays in his own end and is a great open ice hitter. He will be an imposing force for us on defense for the next few years."

Michael Klonarakis from Kitimat, BC was the sixth player to commit to the Spruce Kings following the Camp. Klonarakis will come in as a sixteen year old 5' 9" 160 lbs forward that played last season with the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna.

"I am very familiar with Michael and his family and am very pleased that he has joined the Spruce Kings organization," said Hawes. "Our coaches and scouts fell in love with Michael's work ethic, speed and skill that he displayed at our Spring Camp. He will be a dynamic player for us for several years."

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