Duncan, BC – The Cowichan Valley Capitals junior A hockey club is happy to announce that defenseman Riley Thorpe, from West Kelowna, BC, has committed to the club for next season.
The 18-year-old Thorpe joins the Capitals from the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs program of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL); he totalled one goal and 10 points in 39 games with the Monarchs last season. Prior to his year in the EHL, Thorpe spent two seasons developing with the highly-regarded Pursuit of Excellence (POE) program in Kelowna.
With the POE Elite 15’s team in 2014-15, playing on the same club as current Capitals forward Alec Zawatsky, Thorpe tied for the league-lead in defensemen scoring with 22 points in 30 games. A year later with the POE Midget Prep club, Thorpe tied for the team-lead in scoring among defensemen, with 22 points in 36 games, and played alongside another current Capitals forward in Ty Pochipinski.
“Riley has a year of junior under his belt… He’s a good skater, physically strong and has good puck skills,” Capitals Head Coach and GM Bob Beatty commented. “We’re excited to add another solid young defenseman to our D core.”
In New Hampshire last season, Thorpe helped the Monarchs to the third round of the EHL playoffs, after posting an impressive 33-11-4 regular season record – good for first place in the New England Division and third overall in the 17-team EHL league.
To purchase Capitals season tickets for the 2017-18 season, visit the box office or call 250-748-9930, or contact Marie Ruzesky at marie.ruzesky@cowichancapitals.com, or Scott Yanko at scott.yanko@cowichancapitals.com.
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