Brad Boyarski of the Nelson Leafs has committed to the McKendree University Bearcats in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 for next fall.
Boyarski completed his third and final season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with six goals and 10 points in 40 games for the Leafs.
Improving his consistency and attention to detail away from the puck was a focus for the 6-foot-1, 180-pound forward this season.
“Being reliable in all three zones and playing the right way in any situation was a priority,” said the Calgary native. “I focused on earning trust and holding myself to a consistent standard.”
With the Leafs, Boyarski learned the importance of staying focused and controlling what he could.
“I’m especially grateful to coach Gianni Mangone, who I’ve had the privilege of playing for in two organizations,” he said. “His belief in me and the standards he held me to pushed me to keep developing. I’m also thankful for a great group of guys to compete with and everything I learned in that room.”
Mangone, who first coached Boyarski with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, said he’s proud to see him move on to the next chapter of his hockey career.
“He consistently came to the rink eager to learn and worked hard to better himself both on and off the ice,” said Mangone. “He was a big part of our community and team culture, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he helps his new team grow as a program.”
“I’m very excited and grateful to commit to McKendree University and continue my academic and hockey career,” said Boyarski. “I’m looking forward to getting to work as a Bearcat. Thank you to the coaches who’ve invested in my development, the teammates I’ve competed with, the billet families who opened their homes to me, and my family for always having my back.”
McKendree University finished fifth in the MCH Division with a 13-18-1-0-1 record. Their season ended Feb. 22 with a loss to Minot State in the MCH Tournament semifinals.
Boyarski began his KIJHL career with the Revelstoke Grizzlies, playing one game before joining the Thunder Cats. He later finished his junior career with the Leafs, playing 51 regular season games for Nelson.
