Defenceman Mike Ball will be taking his hockey career to Burnaby Mountain this fall.
After four years with the Richmond Sockeyes, the the standout blueliner has committed to Simon Fraser University for the 2012-13 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.
Ball has been on SFU's radar for some time.
"Mike showed steady improvement every season with Richmond, and he's definitely a guy we think can continue to improve and contribute to our blueline," says SFU head coach Mark Coletta.
While he put up 29 points in 42 games during his final season with Richmond, Ball's playoff numbers are even more impressive. With nine points in 11 games during the 2012 playoffs and an average over 0.5 points per game over his four seasons in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League, Ball was an attractive prospect for SFU.
"He has such a great skill set for a big guy, he's exactly what you want in a defenceman," added Coletta about the 6-foot 230-pound Surrey native. "Giving a good local kid a chance to get a great education at home while playing hockey is extremely important and rewarding to us."
Ball echoes the enthusiasm in having a chance to play for SFU.
"Obviously it's a very exciting opportunity for me. Getting the chance to play for a team that's had so much success in the past is something I look forward to.
"The SFU hockey program has progressed so much in the past few years and seeing how everyone aspires to continue that trend, it's not hard to want to be a part of that."
Ball is SFU's fourth commitment for the 2012/13 season.
