Players from the Summerland Steam Junior B hockey team have advanced in their hockey careers.
This week, Sam Nigg, a forward with the team, was signed to the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.
Nigg played with the Steam in the 2011 to 2012 season and the 2013 to 2014 season.
“I am very excited to play for TRU,” Nigg said. “It is a great school and I have heard nothing but good things about the hockey program as well.”
Nigg had 155 points including 42 goals in 177 games in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
Gregg Wilson, owner and general manager of the team, said other Steam players have also advanced.
Michael Winnitoy, a defence player, has signed with the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
Earlier, Kienan Scott, a left wing player and the Steam’s leading scorer, committed to the Trail Smoke Eaters for the coming season.
Other Summerland Steam players are also moving on to new hockey opportunities.
“We’ve got the potential of two kids going to NCAA schools,” Wilson said. Another has the possibility of playing professional hockey in Slovakia.
“This is the rewarding part,” Wilson said, “watching these kids progressing to another level.”
He added that credit for the players’ success goes to John DePourcq, coach of the team.
Wilson said the players who advance through junior level hockey can look forward to professional careers in the future, with some able to play for National Hockey League teams.