The Cowichan Valley Capitals Jr A Hockey Club is pleased to announce that former defenseman Ben Verrall has committed to play for the York University men’s hockey program next season.
A native of Saskatoon, SK, Verrall had spent the past three seasons as a member of the Capitals, after arriving early in the 2014-15 season from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL.
“Ben has been a solid defender that has made it unpleasant for opposing forwards,” Capitals head coach and general manager Bob Beatty said. “He’s a physical presence with the ability to make good plays and has a good point shot. Ben has progressed every season as a result of a strong work ethic and compete level.”
The gritty, stay-at-home blueliner who never failed to stand up for his teammates, Verrall totaled eight goals, 29 points and 160 penalty minutes in 132 BCHL games – all of which were spent with Cowichan. He added a goal and three points in 10 playoff games as well. His regular season games-played total is the eighth-most among all Capitals player in the past 10 seasons.
In 2016-17, Verrall was named the Capitals Top Defensive Defenseman and was the co-recipient of the Unsung Hero award. He was named the team’s Unsung Hero in 2015-16 as well.
“We are excited to add someone of Ben’s character and compete level,” said Chris Dennis, head coach of the York Lions. “Ben in a tenacious defender and a great teammate. We look forward to having him in our lineup next season.”
Based out of Toronto, ON, the York Lions men’s hockey program is one of 36 Canadian institutions that make up USports Canada. In 2016-17, the Lions finished second in the 10-team West Division of the Ontario University Athletics Conference (OUA). With a record of 18-6-4, York trailed only Ryerson in their division, a school that another former Capital Mitch Skapski committed to play for last week.
The Capitals thank Verrall for his contributions to the team and wish him the best in his playing future.
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