Prince George Spruce Kings forward Carter Hesselgrave has been chosen for the B.C. Hockey League’s Coastal Conference Kyle Turris Community Award.
The award is presented annually to a player on each of the 10 Coastal Conference teams who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and demonstrates a willingness to participate on team activities to benefit the community.
“Carter is such a good person and he cares about the team and the community and he was always the first one to step forward for any community events we were involved with and he’s thrilled to do it,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes.
“There’s so much more than just playing hockey games when you’re a member of the Spruce Kings and Carter really epitomizes what it means to be involved in your community and care about your community.”
Hesselgrave, an 18-year-old native of Quesnel, is a former captain of the Cariboo Cougars U18 team who spent three seasons in the Cariboo Cougars program prior to joining the Spruce Kings as a full-time addition last season. In 45 BCHL games with the Spruce Kings he had one goal and four assists.
“He’s really hardworking, the same way he is on the ice he applies off the ice,” said Hawes. “He leaves it all on the ice every game and does what he can for our team to be successful, the type of player we love to love.”
Kings hire new athletic therapist
The Spruce Kings announced several new additions to their hockey operations staff.
Michael Miller has joined the team as athletic therapist, to replace Kara Fulawka, who served one season with the team.
Miller, from Ajax, Ont., is also a football official who has attained the highest level of certification from Football Canada. He will be officiating the B.C. Football Conference game this Saturday night at Masich Place Stadium when the Prince George Kodiaks host the Kamloops Broncos.
The Kings have also hired goaltending coach Kris Joyce and strength and conditioning coach Chase Astorino.
Training camp starts Friday, Aug. 30
The Spruce Kings are heading into their 29th season in the BCHL and open training camp on Friday, Aug. 30.
Having moved from the Interior Conference to the Coastal East Division of the Coastal Conference, they will start their preseason schedule on the road with games in Surrey (Sept. 6) and Coquitlam (Sept. 7), followed by a two-game exhibition set at home at Kopar Memorial Arena on Sept. 13 (6 p.m.) and Sept. 14 (2 p.m.).
The Spruce Kings start their regular season Sept. 20 in Surrey. Their home opener is set for Friday, Sept. 27 against the Coquitlam Express.
