Duncan, BC – The Cowichan Valley Capitals junior A hockey club is pleased to announce that forward Max Newton has committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks NCAA Division I hockey program for the upcoming season.
Newton, who turns 20-years-old in November, led all Capitals players last season in goals (25), assists (34), points (59), powerplay goals (11) and game-winning goals (5). Newton was the Capitals first 25-goal scorer since 2011-12, and was the only Capital to suit up for every game this past year. Among all BCHL skaters, Newton was tied for 20th in points, tied for 10th in game-winners and tied for eighth in powerplay tallies.
A veteran of 153 regular season BCHL games, Newton has totalled 47 goals and 123 points with Cowichan and the Trail Smoke Eaters, as well as 135 penalty minutes. He made his playoff debut this past spring with the Capitals, and totalled two goals and 10 penalty minutes in the team’s four playoff games.
A product of the Vancouver Minor Hockey Association, Newton began his junior career with the Grand Forks Border Bruins in the KIJHL junior B league, playing one-and-a-half seasons before joining the Trail Smoke Eaters and debuting in the BCHL at age-16, in Nov 2014.
“Max has worked extremely hard over the years to improve his game, increasing his point production and leadership role each year,” commented Darren Rodney, Capitals Assistant GM/ Director of Hockey Operations. “The Capitals organization is sad to see him leave but proud to have played a role in assisting him on reaching his NCAA goal.”
With the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Newton joins an Alaska Nanooks roster that already features six former BCHL players. The Nanooks announced the hiring of a new head coach on July 19, promoting Lance West who was previously an assitant coach with the club. Based out of Fairbanks, Alaska, the Nanooks play in the 10-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference.
The Capitals congratulate Newton on his commitment and wish him the best in his NCAA playing future.
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