The Adrian College Bulldogs check off two boxes for Fernie Ghostriders captain Sawan Gill.
“I chose Adrian because it is a great school that provides the tools for me to succeed both academically and in hockey,” says Gill, who will study pre-med while playing for the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 national champion program.
The Calgary, Alta., product was able to work on several parts of his two-way game with the season being cancelled.
“I think putting on weight really helped me with shooting and winning puck battles,” says Gill, who likes to jump up in the rush and get involved offensively.
The Bulldogs get a six-foot-four defender, who is strong in his zone and uses his stick well.
Gill spent three seasons in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with Fernie and is grateful for his time playing “in front of the best fans in the league.”
“Wags (Jeff Wagner) and Thomas (Skelton) really helped me excel on and off the ice,” he says. “They believed in me and gave me opportunities, which I was able to take advantage of and build confidence. I owe a lot to them and the town of Fernie for treating me so well.”
Skelton, the Ghostriders’ associate coach and director of player personnel, says Gill’s growth was tremendous over the last two seasons.
“While being an offensive threat on the backend with great puck handling and first-pass abilities, Sav continued to grow into one of our most relied upon shutdown defensemen,” says Skelton. “Even without games, Sav led by example and continued to work hard each practice – to develop into the type of player Adrian College is lucky to have on their roster.”
Skelton says Gill is smart with offensive gifts, but has developed into a great defensive defenseman that can be relied upon in all situations.
“Sav is a leader – is the exemplar for future captains for the Ghostriders,” he added. “His ability to lead a team is evident and we cannot wait to see how his college career goes. I’d expect he will wear a letter in future years with the Bulldogs – and they are getting a high-quality hockey player and an even better individual.”
