The Trail Smoke Eaters are proud to announce defenseman Bennett Hambrook has committed to NCAA Division III Hamilton College for the 2013-14 season.
Hambrook, from Kimberley, B.C., scored one goal and 11 points in 29 games as a Smoke Eater in 2012-13 after being acquired from the Salmon Arm SilverBacks in November. In 135 career BCHL games with Trail, Vernon, Prince George and Salmon Arm, the 21-year-old totalled 18 points and 183 penalty minutes. He was also a member of the KIJHL finalist Nelson Leafs during the 2009-10 season.
"I'm excited to begin my collegiate career with a first-class program at Hamilton College this fall," Hambrook said.
"Post-secondary education has always been a priority of mine and I couldn't have asked for a better place to continue my schooling."
"I'm grateful for my experiences in the British Columbia Hockey League over the past three years," Hambrook added. "I've had great coaching with every team I've played for, and the time I've spent in this league has helped me develop on and off the ice."
"Bennett was a tremendous asset to the Smoke Eater organization both on and off the ice," said Smoke Eaters head coach/general manager Bill Birks. "His leadership qualities and work ethic are the best I've ever been around."
"Hamilton is getting a quality player and I couldn't be happier for Bennett," Birks added.
Hamilton College is a private liberal arts college located in Clinton, New York. The Continentals skate in the 10-team New England Small College Athletic Association (NESCAC).