The Prince George Spruce Kings are adding experience to their 2019-20 roster in hopes of matching last season’s defensive dominance.
Sol Seibel has been acquired by the reigning B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) and Doyle Cup champions after spending the last year-and-a-half with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, and the last three in the Interior Division.
Seibel, a product of Kamloops, has played 135 BCHL regular-season games in his Junior ‘A’ career and 14 playoff tilts, all in the league’s Interior Division between Salmon Arm, Vernon, and West Kelowna, accumulating 33 points in that time, including 31 assists.
“Sol is a veteran BCHL D-man who plays the game the right way,” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes in a release. “He’s a good person and teammate whose leadership abilities will be a great fit with our team.”
The 20-year-old blue-liner was also the top gorilla in Salmon Arm, serving as team captain in the 2018-19 season and taking his team to the playoffs.
They were eliminated in the first round 4-1 by the Vernon Vipers, who the Spruce Kings swept in the Fred Page Cup Finals.
“We really think highly of Sol,” said Salmon Arm GM Scott Atkinson in a separate statement. “He’s got high-end character. We just think he’s not going to get the opportunity here that he deserves to try to get that scholarship because the recruiting has gone very well. We feel this is in everyone’s best interest.”
ICYMI: The Spruce Kings have acquired Sol Seibel (@sol_seibel4) from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in exchange for future considerations.
— Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) August 7, 2019
Welcome to PG, Sol!#GetInTheMix pic.twitter.com/YhfyWuOAg2
Seibel’s trade also comes on the same day Prince George decided to send one of its younger players to Vancouver Island.
Forward Sean Donaldson has been traded to the Nanaimo Clippers after suiting up for the Spruce Kings and Trail Smoke Eaters last year, recording 13 points in 50 games between the two clubs.
Both Seibel and Donaldson’s moves come with future considerations.
The next season for the Spruce Kings starts with a four-game homestand on Sept. 6 with a visit from the Surrey Eagles.
