Nelson Leafs Hunter Floris is excited to join the Iowa State Cyclones in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
“You kind of dream of the opportunity to play some university hockey, especially in the U.S. at a Division 1 school,” says Floris, who finished his junior career playing with the Trail Smoke Eaters in the B.C. Hockey League. “It’s going to be an awesome experience. I’m more than excited to have this opportunity.”
Nelson Leafs photo
Playing for the Leafs and Smoke Eaters helped him prepare for this next chapter. With the Leafs, Floris was able to fine tune his skills, but also place a focus on his mental health. Floris says he played pretty decent hockey with really good players in Nelson. He had four goals and five points in three games.
When the opportunity came for him to join his younger brother Ethan in Trail at the Christmas break, he jumped at it. It was special for him to get to close out his junior playing games with Ethan.
“This was the first year I ever got to play with my brother,” he says.
Floris was happy with how he played for the Smoke Eaters, filling a third line role, while playing on their penalty kill. As one of two 20-year-olds on the roster, he took on leadership responsibilities. He focused on doing the little things well and keeping his teammates energized. In 13 games, Floris collected two points.
Floris will study animal ecology to pursue wildlife biology or marine biology. He’s excited to be on a campus with 32,000 students and play high level hockey.
The Vanderhoof, B.C. native spent the majority of his junior career in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He had a brief stint with the Bonnyville Pontiacs, before he settled in Olds with the Grizzlies scoring 63 points in 97 games while also being named team captain in his second year.
