SURREY – The Surrey Eagles Hockey Club announced Wednesday captain Danton Heinen has elected to begin his college career at the University of Denver beginning in the 2014-15 season.
Heinen, 18, had committed to the NCAA Division I school in March, and after careful consideration has decided to join the Pioneers this fall rather than return to the BC Hockey League.
“It was a very difficult decision to leave the Eagles and I had a lot of fun playing close to home,” the Langley native said. “But everything I’ve heard about Denver is that they’ll have a pretty competitive team next season and I want to be a part of it.”
“I’m planning on getting a head-start on my education over the summer by taking some courses beginning next month,” Heinen added. “I’ll be training with some of the guys from the team too so it’ll give me a chance to settle in ahead of the new season.”
“Danton is a special player and we are excited for the opportunity ahead of him,” said Blaine Neufeld, the Eagles’ Director of Hockey Operations, “we wish the utmost success to Danton and know he will represent our program well.”
“Danton’s is the story we want to tell more,” Neufeld added, “that story being, a local kid getting an opportunity through our program and seizing it. We look forward to telling it more often in the years to come.”
Heinen, the 2014 BCHL Rookie of the Year and Most Sportsmanlike Player, led the Eagles in regular-season scoring with 62 points during the 2013-14 season.
The Eagles would like to thank Danton Heinen for his many contributions to the organization and wish him the very best as he begins his college career this autumn.
For further information, please contact the Eagles office at (604) 531-4625.
