Friday, October 11, 2013

Oil Caps' Kalynuk commits to Western Michigan

Press Release 

The Virden Oil Capitals are proud to announce that 16-year-old defenseman, Wyatt Kalynuk of Virden, MB has verbally committed to Western Michigan University for the 2016-17 season.

Kalynuk has had a strong start to his rookie campaign in the MJHL thus far, playing a key role for the Oil Capitals in all situations.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to play at the Division I college level,” said Kalynuk of his recent decision. “There were a few different options that had presented themselves recently. I talked about them with my family and we felt that by verbally committing now, that gives me something to work towards in the next couple of seasons.”

The Virden product played 43 games for the Southwest Cougars MB AAA Midget program last year, registering one (1) goal and 16 assists in his rookie season.

“We are thrilled that Wyatt has progressed to the point where he’s creating these opportunities for himself at the next level,” commented Head Coach, Troy Leslie on Kalynuk’s recent commitment. Leslie continued, “I think it’s pretty special that not only is Wyatt the first Virden player to play for the Oil Caps, he’s also the first Oil Cap to commit to a NCAA Division I hockey program.”

The Western Michigan University hockey program is coached by Souris native, and former Team Canada and NHL Head Coach, Andy Murray. The Broncos play in the newly formed National Collegiate Hockey Conference against notable programs such as University of North Dakota, Denver University, and Minnesota-Duluth.

Kalynuk added, “It’s going to be a good challenge and I just want to thank the Oil Caps organization for giving me the opportunity to play here this season. I look forward to continuing to work hard here with the Oil Caps until my time comes to make the jump to the next level.”

WMU is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, centrally located between Detroit and Chicago. The team finished last season with a 19-11-8 record overall (15-9-6 in conference).  The Broncos ended last season in a CCHA quarterfinal loss to the Michigan Wolverines.


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

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