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Not that Kyle Marino needs any extra motivation as he and the West Kelowna Warriors prepare for the opening game of their B.C. Hockey League playoff series with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Friday.
He received it nonetheless.
The 20-year-old forward announced on Wednesday that he’s accepted a scholarship from University of Alaska-Fairbanks for the 2016-17 season.
"I am very excited about this opportunity, not only for the hockey, but also for my education," said the Niagara Falls, Ont. product, in his second season with the Warriors. "I'm grateful to the Warriors’ organization for the opportunity to play for an amazing team and allow this door to be opened.
“This would not have been possible without years of devotion on the part of my family, coaches, and many great teammates. I'm grateful for prayers that have been answered and I’m excited about finishing my junior career in West Kelowna and about the new path ahead with the Nanooks."
Rylan Ferster, head coach and general manager of the Warriors, said he’s excited as well to have Marino heading to the NCAA Div. 1 school.
"Kyle is a great leader for us. He came here as a defenceman and has turned into a quality forward. He’s showed constant improvement and is one of the hardest-working young men I have had the pleasure to coach."
Marino, with 14 goals and 19 assists this season and 34 goals in 111 games overall with the Warriors, will be joining teammate Kylar Hope and former Warrior Marcus Basara next season with the Nanooks.
With Marino’s signing, it brings the number Warriors committed to NCAA Div. 1 schools to 10.
Meanwhile, the Warriors, second-place finishers in the Interior Division of the BCHL, will begin their best-of-seven division series with the third-place Silverbacks on Friday at Royal LePage Place starting at 7 p.m.
The second game of the series is set for Saturday at Royal LePage, while the third and fourth games (March 7 and 8) will be played in Salmon Arm.
The other Interior Division series between the first-place Penticton Vees and fourth-place Vernon Vipers also begins on Friday, with the second game scheduled for Sunday. Both games will be played at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Games 3 and 4 are set for Kal Tire Place March 8 and 9.
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