Vern Dye Trophy winner Baltus taking game to Michigan Tech

Press Release

Trail Smoke Eaters forward and Interior Conference MVP Brent Baltus has made a change in destination for his college future and will suit up for the Michigan Tech Huskies in the fall.

Originally committed to the University of Alaska-Anchorage, Baltus opted out when the school chose not to renew the contract of head coach Dave Shyiak.

Baltus, a Nanaimo, B.C. native, led the Smokies in scoring this season with 24 goals and 27 assists despite playing just 47 games. He was named winner of the Vern Dye Memorial Trophy as conference MVP after a poll of BCHL coaches.

The 20-year-old will be joining a large host of other BCHL alums at Michigan Tech. Currently, there are eight BCHL players committed to the school including Demico Hannoun of Surrey, Trevor Cope and Evan Anderson of Langley, Reid Sturos of Nanaimo, Alex Gillies and Shane Hanna of Salmon Arm and Dane Birks of Merritt.

Former BCHL standout Bill Muckalt is an assistant coach with the Huskies who had eight BCHL alums on their roster this season including their leading scorer Alex Petan and Edmonton Oilers draft pick Jujhar Khaira.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)