Another Vlanich in the mix as Saints begin quest at a BCIHL three-peat
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Fresh from repeating as B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League the Selkirk Saints are putting the pieces together on making it a three-peat after getting a commitment from Trail product Danny Vlanich for the 2014-15 season.
The 6-foot-5, 215 pound blueliner joins the Saints from the British Columbia Hockey League’s Surrey Eagles.
The 20-year old suited up in 29 games for Surrey this season, picking up four assists and 21 penalty minutes.
He also spent the 2011/12 season in the BCHL with the Langley Rivermen, scoring once and totaling seven points and 57 minutes in penalties in 40 regular season games.
Vlanich also suited up in 105 games in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League over parts of four seasons with the Beaver Valley Nitehawks. His career totals with the Nitehawks include 16 goals and 36 assists along with 235 penalty minutes.
“”Danny is a big, strong defenceman who moves the puck well and can contribute all over the ice,” said Saints head coach Jeff Dubois.
“He adds a physical presence for us on the blueline but will also fit in well with the up-tempo style we count on from our defencemen.”
Vlanich joins cousin Jamie, who led the KIJHL in scoring this season with the Nelson Leafs and has already committed to the Saints for 2014/15.
“I feel that it’s a step in the right direction for me to come to a winning organization both scholastically and athletically,” said Vlanich, who describes himself as a solid defenseman who has the ability to make plays quickly and contribute with a heavy shot from the point.
“I’m looking to excel in my courses academically and help out the best I can to keep the winning tradition going here at Selkirk. I’m also looking forward to finally being able to play with my cousin.”
Vlanich is the Saints’ fifth commitment for the 2014/15 season, joining forwards Ryan Edwards (Beaver Valley, KIJHL), Jamie Vlanich (Nelson Leafs, KIJHL) and Connor Beauchemin (Castlegar Rebels, KIJHL), as well as defenceman Curtis Toneff (Campbell River Storm, VIJHL).
