The Surrey Eagles are pleased to announce that 19-year-old forward Nick Fea has committed to the team for the upcoming 2016-17 season. It will be his first season in the BCHL after playing last season with the North Jersey Avalanche of the EYHL.
The ’97-born Fea scored a point-per-game with the Avalanche last season, posting 52 points in 52 total games in both AYHL and Tier 1 Elite Hockey League competition.
“I was impressed by the time and effort that [head coach Blaine Neufeld] put into recruiting me,” Fea said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “I know the program is on the rise, and I decided to commit because I felt like it was the best fit for me.”
Fea was heavily pursued by other teams, which is why the extra effort was needed to bring him to Surrey. With an average build at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, he utilizes his exceptional speed to get around defenceman. He has been described as being “slippery with the puck.” His scoring touch will certainly be a welcome addition to the Eagles’ forward group.
“I plan on coming in and bringing offense to the team,” Fea noted. “I know my biggest strengths are my speed and hockey IQ, and I need to use them to do my share on the offensive side of things.”
This is the second time this summer that the Eagles have received a commitment from a player coming out of the AYHL. Tyler Riddle of the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers also committed to the team less than a month ago. While Fea doesn’t know him personally, he recalls plenty of tough games against that team.
Speed may be his best asset, but Fea isn’t taking it for granted. Players will be stronger and faster in the BCHL, and he is making sure that he prepares himself this summer.
“The biggest jump I think from AYHL to BCHL will be the speed of the game. It’s going to be faster, and I need to be ready to play against bigger and stronger players.”
The 2016-17 season officially begins on September 9th, as the Eagles will play host to the Coquitlam Express. Keep checking SurreyEagles.ca for ticket availability!
