Jaden Fodchuk has gone from a rookie in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with Princeton, to one in the B.C. Hockey League with the Cranbrook Bucks.
Fodchuk, who will wear #25 with the Bucks, was signed on Jan.10 after playing two games as an affiliate player on Jan. 7 and 8.
“It was the step I was looking for in my hockey career. Just to benefit my hockey skill and the love for the game I have,” said Fodchuk, who was 11th among KIJHL point producers with 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 26 games, which now ranks him second among rookies. “I’m super excited to take this jump from the KIJHL to the BCHL.”
Fodchuck made his BCHL debut with the Bucks last season, playing four games during the pod season.
“It’s been good. I found it faster and more skilled. It was the step I was looking for,” he said. “I found it nice to bring my game to this level and use the skill that I have to help out the Cranbrook Bucks.”
“Jaden is a competitive young man that is driven to improve every time that he is on the ice, and he has translated that into great success while with the Princeton Posse of the KIJHL,” said Bucks Head Coach and GM Ryan Donald on the Bucks website. “We look forward to helping Jaden take the next step in his development here in Cranbrook.”
Fodchuk said his time with the Posse was very good, especially getting the chance to play on their special teams. Fodchuk, who followed in the footsteps of his brother Justin to play for the Posse, said he improved his skating with the puck and gave himself more time and space through all the zones. The 5-10, 165 pound forward likes to play a gritty game with speed and skill.
“I can get the puck out of the corner and take it to the net and make a play,” he said, adding that playing with the Posse gave him confidence and more faith in himself.
He added that playing in the KIJHL was good for him.
“I found it a good place to start junior hockey. To be more physical and use the skill that you have to make the jump to the BCHL,” he said.
