Surrey, B.C. – The Surrey Eagles organization is proud to announce that 99 born forward JJ Fecteau has committed to Stevenson University for the upcoming season. The NCAA Div 3 commitment is the first Eagles commitment of 2020, and 3rd NCAA commitment for this year’s team, following fellow teammates Brandon Santa Juana and Hudson Schandor.
JJ Fecteau was one of the last players who committed to the Eagles, announcing his commitment mere days before the start of the 2019-20 B.C Hockey League campaign. The Savannah, Georgia native played 52 games during the regular season with the Eagles, notching 1 goal, 7 assists and 14 penalty minutes. In 7 playoff games, Fecteau didn’t register a point and only had 2 penalty minutes.
Fecteau’s value came not just with his play, but his versatility and willingness to do whatever the team asked of him throughout the season. Fecteau came to Surrey as a 20 year old center, but was asked to move to defense in September to help shore up the blueline. Fecteau remained a defenseman until after the Eagles had acquired Kieran O’Hearn and Brendan Kim, when he’d return to center until the playoffs. With the Eagles down 2 defensemen due to the losses of O’Hearn and Kim, Fecteau jumped back to defense in game 2, where he’d remain and become a key piece during the Eagles first round series win over the Chilliwack Chiefs.
For JJ Fecteau, it’s the beginning of a new chapter in a career which keeps evolving. JJ explained the emotions to continuing his hockey career. “I’m very excited. It was a long junior career and I didn’t expect to be in the BCHL in the first place. Being able to transition from junior hockey to college is going to be a great experience and I’m looking forward to it.”
When asked why he chose Stevenson University, JJ talked about 2 huge factors. “I chose Stevenson because of two things, the coaching staff and the educational side of it. They have a very credited Law program I was interested in from the start, and the coach is someone who is on a mission to make the program into something special, and that’s something I want to be apart of. It’s a relatively new program and they’re doing really well, which shows you a lot about the coaching staff and their interest in developing players. So the chance to be apart of something like this is pretty remarkable.”
Looking back to his 1 season in Surrey, it was clear which memory was on top of JJ’s mind. “Winning our first round of playoffs after being down was pretty cool, and pretty emotional. Especially with how the beginning of our season went, and all the doubt surrounding us. To come back, and beat a team after being down 3-2 in our own rink, and then in their barn tells you a lot about the guys we had in the room. That was my favourite moment.”
Fecteau’s commitment isn’t just a big moment for him, but for Eagles head coach Cam Keith and the entire organization. When asked about the news, Cam gave a glowing assessment of his team’s oldest player last season. “JJ’s perseverance throughout the season was truly amazing to witness. We couldn’t be more proud of his commitment to Stevenson and this opportunity for him to continue his remarkable hockey journey. He will be missed but not forgotten.”
Stevenson University’s head coach Dominick Dawes had this to say about JJ picking the Mustang’s for next year. “[We’re] excited to have JJ as part of the Mustang family. Looking forward to seeing his impact on the future of our program on and off the ice.”
Congratulations JJ, best of luck next year at Stevenson University!
