Saints defenseman commits to Surrey Eagles

May 10, 2018 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

The hockey factory known as St. Andrew’s College is sending out another product.
Staple defenseman Evan McIntyre is spreading his wings to the Surrey Eagles of the British Columbia Hockey League, after two successful seasons with the SAC Saints.
“(Coming to Surrey) is a dream come true,” said McIntyre. “It has been my goal to play in the BCHL since I first learned about the league. I’m really excited to get started and meet my teammates.”
McIntyre is coming off of a sophomore season that saw him lead all Saints defensemen in points, putting up 51 over a span of just 49 games. He also added five points in four playoff appearances.
He also put up a total of 37 points in his rookie season with the Saints in 20016-17, establishing himself as one of the program’s top blueliners.
Playing preparatory hockey certainly left his effect on the 17-year old, who plans on taking the collegiate route in the sport despite being drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL.
“I definitely want to go the school route,” McIntyre said. “Our coach at St. Andrew’s, David Manning, really stresses academics first then hockey.”
The Oakville native joins a promising up-and-coming program fresh off a divisional final loss to the Prince George Spruce Kings.
A product of the Mississauga Rebels AAA system, McIntyre will be looked at to make a big difference early on the Surrey blue line, with top-scoring defenseman Owen Norton leaving for the NCAA.
“We’re thrilled to bring in Evan,” Eagles GM Blaine Neufeld said in a statement. “He’s a fantastic skater that sees the ice very well. We feel that his game will translate to the BCHL very quickly.”
Neufeld also noted that his confidence in the program at St. Andrew’s was another factor when bringing
McIntyre in.
“He comes from a terrific program. His coach David Manning has done a terrific job, which is why St. Andrews is seen as one of the nation’s top programs.”
As for the 2018-19 season, McIntyre said he plans to “take the role very seriously.”
“I like to jump into the play and skate with the puck. My game plan is to move pucks up the ice as quick as I can by using a good first pass out of the zone.”