The BCHL's Langley Rivermen announced on Monday that 20-year-old defenceman Richard Coyne has committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for the 2012-2013 season.
Coyne has been a rock on the Langley blueline since arriving in mid-November from the USHL's Lincoln Stars.
Assistant coach Bobby Henderson is not surprised to see Coyne taking the next step.
“We are very excited for him and believe Alaska-Fairbanks will be a great opportunity,” Henderson said. “He has worked extremely hard since joining us and really deserves this."
The Arizona native has put up six assists in 16 games with the Rivermen, providing veteran leadership for the young squad.
Another of Langley's assistant coaches, Jordan Emmerson, spent four years at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and the Rivermen now boast five players who have commitments to colleges or universities.