The Powell River Kings are pleased to announce the commitment of 1995 born forward Jarid Lukosevicius to the University of Denver for 2015/2016.
The 5'11, 165lb product of Squamish, BC has started well in his first full BCHL campaign, scoring 5 goals and adding 10 assists in his first 14 games. Lukosevicius was also one of 6 Kings named to the Canada West selection camp roster for the upcoming 2013 World Junior A Challenge.
For Lukosevicius, selecting a school and committing to a higher level of hockey was a new experience. "I didn't know much about American colleges before the season, but I knew that Denver was an excellent school. When they made me an offer, I knew I had to accept it" says Lukosevicius, who hasn't made up his mind yet on what he's planning to study.
Lukosevicius is the first Powell River King to commit to the University of Denver, however the school has always recruited well in the BCHL. "Denver is a very reputable program" says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. "They've got a very good staff, it's a great place to live, and they've certainly recruited some great BCHL players over the years. They've done a great job in recruiting Jarid and we are happy for Jarid and his family that he has made the decision to go to Denver in the Fall of 2015."
Lewis believes Lukosevicius' start to the season was just one contributing factor to Denver pursuing the 18 year old winger. "Schools have been tracking him since last season when he was one of the top players on the North West Giants who won the BC Major Midget League" says Lewis. "He's a good player, and he's going to get better. These type of players don't come along very often. His shot is hard and accurate, he sees the ice very well and he's got a really high compete level."
Lukosevicius will play another season and a half in Powell River before heading to Colorado. He'll use that time preparing himself for the collegiate game, and trying to help Powell River bring home a Royal Bank Cup. Lukosevicius already has a clear outline of what he needs to work on. "Definitely strength. I need to work on my strength" he says. Lewis agrees. "He needs to get bigger, stronger and he's got to be a go-to guy on and off the ice. The biggest thing is maturing, ripening, adding some pounds, all of those things so he is ready to contribute from the moment he arrives on campus as a freshman."
The Kings would like to congratulate Jarid on his decision.
