Powell River Kings have signed 2009-born defender Jaden VanWalleghem for the 2025/2026 season. The BC Hockey League club made the announcement on Saturday, May 31.
"I have met some of the coaching staff and they seem like great people," stated VanWalleghem. "Being able to be around a culture such as Powell River will help me grow as a hockey player and as a young man. I am extremely excited and ready to go to work."
VanWalleghem is from Kenora, Ontario, and played on the local U18 AAA Thistles last season. In 47 games he scored three goals and added 20 assists.
"Jaden is a young and exciting prospect who we look forward to working with this season," stated Kings’ head coach and general manager Stephan Seeger Jr. "He has a lot of athleticism and energy to his game, whether he's walking the blue line, retrieving pucks or battling along the boards, and his compete and hunger to win games stands out in all areas of his game.
“He's a very smooth skater for his age, has great character and is eager to learn. We are honoured to add Jaden and can't wait to see what he can do in a Kings jersey."
With the next step in his hockey career on the horizon, the 16-year-old is prepared for all the challenges junior hockey will present in his rookie season.
"I know it will be a big jump from U18 to the best junior A league in Canada, but I am here for it," added VanWalleghem. "I will never quit, and when I fail, that will push me harder to be better. I know my teammates and coaches will work with me a ton to improve every part of my game.
“There will certainly be some nervousness, but I will use it to my advantage and excel. I have battled through adversity my whole life and I am ready to do it again in a big way."
VanWalleghem is the second new defender to be signed for the upcoming season. He joins Tristian Williams, who made his commitment to the team at the end of last season after suiting up in 10 games as an affiliate player.
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