The Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are very pleased to announce that 1996-born forward Brett Van Os has committed to Western Michigan University. Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the “Broncos” compete in the NCAA Division 1 NCHC Conference and are coached by Andy Murray.
“It’s been a long-time goal of mine to play NCAA Division 1 hockey and I am excited to have the opportunity to attend Western Michigan,” states Van Os. “I realize this is only possible with the support from a number of people, so thank you to my parents, my Calgary billet family (the Magus family), my teammates, Coach Poole and assistant coaches for all the help and support, and Pat Loyer for the opportunity to play for the Calgary Canucks organization.”
Van Os, a 6’2, 190 pound forward from Spurgeon County, AB played two seasons with the Sherwood Park Crusaders before finishing his junior career in his 20-year old season with the Canucks. Van Os had a breakout final season with the Canucks as he recorded more points in his final season (55) then his previous two seasons with the Crusaders combined (54). Van Os finishes his AJHL career with 38 goals & 109 points in 175 games played.
Canucks Head Coach / GM James Poole states, “Brett was leaning towards moving onto ACAC last summer but changed his mind to pursue his NCAA D1 goal for one more season with the Canucks and we’re very happy that Brett was able to achieve that goal. Brett was a big part of our core leadership group this season and set a great example for others with his work ethic on the ice & in the gym. He’s a dynamic forward that has all the tools to be successful in NCAA and will benefit greatly being coached by Andy Murray and his staff.”
The entire Canucks organization would like to congratulate Brett & his family on achieving this goal, and wish him best of luck in his academic and athletic future.
Brett Van Os is the fourth player from the 2016-2017 Canucks to commit to post-secondary hockey program joining Logan Drackett (RIT), Ben Assad (University of Windsor) and Kyler Magus (Lake Forest College).