Two with Crunch to NCAA
Forwards Konnar Dechaine and Brandon McReynolds of the Cochrane Crunch of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have landed Division 3, National Collegiate Athletic Association commitments effective the 2016-2017 season.
The pair are both headed to Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schools.
Dechaine will be off to the University of Wisconsin-Stout and play for the Blue Devils while McReynolds is heading to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points to study and skate for the defending Division 3, NCAA champion Pointers.
The 20-year-old Dechaine hails from Lac la Biche, Alta., and is in his first season with the Crunch, has tallied 31 goals thus far.
“Konnar came to us in the summer on a trade and we promised him we would do all that we could do to make his dream come true to play college hockey. We couldn’t be happier that he has been given this opportunity,” Cochrane coach-general manager Ryan Leonard said of Dechaine. “He is a leader on and off the ice, is very coach-able and also pays attention to the 200-foot game.”
As for McReynolds, the 20-year-old North Vancouver, B.C., product is also in his initial campaign with the Crunch and has hit the 20-goal mark.
“We want to congratulate Brandon on earning an opportunity to play for one of the most prestigious college hockey programs in the NCAA,” stated Leonard. “He leads by example on and off the ice and is very coach-able and listens to detail and follows it which makes his game that much better.
“We told Brandon when we recruited him last year in B.C., where he was playing Junior B, that we would do all we can to help get him to the next level. He has answered the call in every way for our program,” added Leonard.
Good job once again Lenny.