Two Drumheller Dragons who graduated from the 2014-2015 hockey season, and a former Dragon who was traded mid-way through the season have committed to universities in Alberta.
Forward Dakota Zaharichuk has committed to Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton where he will play with the Griffins men’s hockey team.
Zaharichuk, a Sherwood Park native, played with the Dragons for three seasons starting in 2012-2013. In his Dragons career, he played 187 games, scoring 49 goals with 86 assists for a total of 135 points.
During the 2014-2015 season Zaharichuk was named an assistant captain.
Drumheller Dragons Head Coach and General Manager Brian Curran said he thought Zaharichuk had a good year.
“I thought he grew immensely, matured immensely, and was a player we counted on to get us through. He had some decisions to make, he felt he made a good decision for himself and I am proud of him. I wish him all the best.”
Teammate and goaltender Curtis Skip, who spent two seasons with the Dragons, has committed to the University of Alberta - Augustana in Camrose to play with the Vikings.
The Grande Prairie native, who sustained lengthy injuries in both seasons, played 67 games with 28 wins, 31 losses and three ties as a Dragon.
Curran said, “Curtis had other options also...I thought he fought his battles (during the season) and continued to prove he is a good goaltender and let his character shine through. I am very happy for him.”
Curran continued by saying, “I think that both those young men will have excellent college careers.”
Joining Skip will be former teammate defenseman Cody Fiala, who has also committed to Augustana.
Fiala, a Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native, played a season-and-a-half with the Dragons, before being traded to the Bonnyville Pontiacs at the end of November 2014.
In his Dragons career he played 84 games, scored six goals and six assists with a total of 12 points.
