A Prince George product enjoyed success at the CIS Men’s Hockey University Cup in Halifax this past weekend.
Dylan Willick and the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds defeated the St. Francis Xavier Xmen 3-1 on Sunday to capture the school’s sixth national title.
Willick says winning this year makes up for last year’s defeat at the hands of the University of Alberta Golden Bears. “It’s an incredible feeling especially after going all the way and picking up a silver medal and to be on the opposite side of that is an incredible accomplishment.”
The 23-year old year grew up through the minor hockey system in Prince George before making the jump to the Cariboo Cougars in 2008-09 which led to a four-year stint with the Kamloops Blazers.
It was under the Cariboo coach’s guidance where Willick’s game started to blossom.
“Trevor Sprague was one of the main influences in a critical time in my career. They treat it like a pro program so you get that feel for how things are going to be when you get a chance to play for the Blazers or Spruce Kings.”
The championship is even sweeter for Willick who celebrated it with the people closest to him.
“My mom and dad flew out, plus my fiance came from Fredericton, so the fact I was able to share this experience with them makes it that much more special.”
Willick has two more years of eligibility remaining with the Varsity Reds with the hope of eventually making the jump to the pro ranks.
“The program has had a lot of success over the past few seasons and with the way they treat it is a great stepping stone for pro hockey, and when the time comes I will take a look and the options I have and if it doesn’t work out that I will have a lovely degree to fall back on.”
Willick posted 157 points in 4 WHL seasons with Kamloops before netting 35 points in 78 regular season games during his first three seasons at UNB.
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