The Calgary Canucks are very pleased to announce that 1996-born forward and Team Captain Ben Assad has committed to the University of Windsor for the 2017-2018 season. Based in Windsor, Ontario, the “Lancers” compete in the U Sports (formerly known as CIS) OUA West Division.
“My goal from day 1 was to continue playing at the highest level I possibly could after my junior career and I feel like I am able to do that with the University of Windsor.” states Ben Assad. “I can’t thank the entire Canucks organization enough for helping me achieve this goal of mine.”
Assad, spent the last season and a half with the Canucks after spending time with Brooks & Grande Prairie. Assad recorded 59 goals and 125 points in 203 career AJHL games, but enjoyed the most success with the Canucks recording 42 goals and 86 points in 94 games with the Canucks. When Ben Assad was acquired in November of 2015 the Canucks had a record of 7-18-1, and with Assad finished the remainder of the season with a 17-15-2 record. This season Ben led the team to its best regular season in 18 years finishing with a 37-19-4 record.
Canucks Head Coach / GM James Poole states, “The term culture gets thrown around a lot these days on what makes programs successful and Ben Assad was a true culture changer for the Canucks. The drastic improvement in the team from when Ben was acquired last season was no coincidence. I’ve been fortunate to coach many great players & people and Ben is among the best in both categories. His dedication, determination, team attitude and compete level are second to none and on behalf of the Canucks we can’t thank him enough for what he has done for the program. His legacy will not be forgotten on future teams as he has shown the next group of leaders what it takes to be successful in Junior A hockey.”
The entire Calgary Canucks organization congratulate Ben on his accomplishment of moving onto the University of Windsor, and thank him & his family for their dedication the past two seasons.