The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club has announced the acquisition of defenceman Ryan Markovic from the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.
Markovic (’97) is an intimidating figure on the ice, standing at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds. He split last season between the Mississauga Chargers of the OJHL and Brockville Braves of the CCHL where he recorded 8 points in 49 total games.
According to head coach and general manager Blaine Neufeld, he was primarily acquired to balance out the back end, and inject a defensive-minded presence.
“Any time you bring in an experienced, proven defenceman to your group, you’re making your team better,” said Neufeld in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “Our defence is loaded with offence, so it was clear that acquiring a player like Ryan was necessary. He’s very dependable, and also brings leadership qualities that you want to see from your older players.”
Markovic served as an assistant captain during his tenure with the Mississauga Chargers. The gritty defender is not shy of playing in the rough areas, picking up nearly 100 total PIM last season.
The Mississauga, Ontario native will be joining the team immediately, and is expected to suit up during the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack this week. The Eagles will be appearing in two games at the event – September 22nd vs Cowichan Valley and September 25th vs Salmon Arm.
The Eagles next home game is on Thursday, September 29th at 6:30 PM. The Chilliwack Chiefs come to town to face off in the first instalment of Thursday Night Hockey!
