Mario Annicchiarico / Times Colonist
MAY 13, 2017 10:25 PM
Victoria Grizzlies defenceman Drayson Pears has accepted an NCAA Division 1 scholarship with the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
Pears, who produced five goals and 20 assists in 58 regular-season games for the Grizzlies, will play for the Alaska-Anchorage Sea Wolves beginning in the 2018-19 season.
Nineteen-year-old Pears added four assists in 16 playoff outings for the Grizzlies. He is the ninth member of the Island Division-champion B.C. Hockey League team to be awarded a scholarship this past season.
“It’s a university I’ve had interest in attending and, after going on a school visit and meeting their coaches, staff and players and touring their facilities, I think it is a really good fit for me,” an excited Pears said.
“I committed for the 2018 season, so I am looking forward to having another strong year with the Victoria Grizzlies again, especially with the group of players we have coming back,” said Pears, who played his minor hockey for Juan de Fuca and Burnaby Winter Club.
He then moved on to major midget with the South Island Royals and played junior B with the Westshore Wolves of the VIJHL before joining the Grizzlies.
“Drayson brings a lot to the table as a defenceman. Not only is he tough and hard to play against, he also is a great skater who can really create offence off the rush,” said Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon.
“Being a third-year guy now, we will really look to Drayson to lead the way. He knows what works and what doesn’t work in regards to success in this league. He will be a guy we lean on and I’m sure he is up to the task.”
