Chilliwack Chiefs general manager Harvey Smyl has one less offseason headache to deal with, now that Austin Plevy is back in the fold.
News came down Tuesday afternoon that the Langley kid is coming back, giving Smyl one big offensive piece to build around for 2013-14.
Plevy, who led the Chiefs in scoring last season with 73 points, had originally committed to play for the Merrimack Warriors in NCAA division one hockey next season.
He will now join them for the 2014-15 season.
Family connections might have made the difference, with younger brother Mitch Plevy slated to join the Chiefs in the fall.
The 1996-born forward spent last season with the Junior B Ridge Meadows Flames where he scored two goals and added 10 assists in 33 games.
“Being able to play junior hockey with my brother, playing in front of the fans in Chilliwack and better preparing myself for Merrimack all factored in to the decision to return,” said Austin. “It’s a great organization to play for, and I’m really looking forward to next season”.
Smyl is obviously happy to have Austin back.
“He’ll be a key player for us and another year at this level will allow him to join Merrimack next year and contribute right away,” Smyl said.
Austin Plevy came to the Chiefs last offseason in a deal with the Langley Rivermen that, in the end, landed former Chief Derek Huisman with the Merritt Centennials.
See chilliwackchiefs.net