Langley Rivermen forward and Chilliwack native Darnell Dyck has netted himself an NCAA scholarship, accepting an offer to play for the Lindenwood Lions of the American Collegiate Hockey Association next season.
A veteran of four BCHL seasons, Dyck totalled 19 goals and 46 assists this past season to lead the Rivermen in scoring.
Dyck is looking forward to joining the Lions, who are coached by longtime National Hockey League defenceman Rick Zombo.
“I am really excited to be going to a winning program,” Dyck said, “I feel like it’s a great opportunity and I hope that I can go there and help produce another championship.”
Zombo has been following Dyck’s progress and was thrilled to have the 20-year-old commit.
“He is a player that we targeted for three years and he has been at the top of our recruiting board for two years,” said Zombo. “He is an instant-impact guy. After several conversations with him, his coaches and my contacts in the area, I am sure he is going to be a consummate Lindenwood Lion. It’s a big day for our program.”
Rivermen head coach Bobby Henderson is equally pleased.
“Darnell is very deserving of this scholarship and it will be a great opportunity for him,” said the new Rivermen bench boss. “He is going to get a good education and play for a very good team and I see him fitting in real well over there.”
Lindenwood University is located in St. Charles, Missouri which is just outside St. Louis.
The Lions dominated the ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) Central States Collegiate Hockey League this season, posting a 14-0-2 regular season record.
They advanced to the semi-finals of the ACHA championship tournament before losing 6-3 to the Delaware Blue Hens.
Lindenwood played in the championship game the previous four years, winning the title twice.
Dyck becomes the only BCHL alum on the Lions roster.
He wraps up his BCHL career with 54 goals and 109 assists in 230 games.