East Kootenay Avalanche Players Shine in BC Hockey's Program of Excellence

The East Kootenay Avalanche U15 AA team is celebrating a significant achievement this season, with seven of its players selected for BC Hockey's prestigious Program of Excellence (POE) after trying out. This recognition highlights the team's dedication to developing young talent and the players' commitment to excellence on the ice.

U15 POE Selections:

• Kane Corkle (Sparwood, BC)

• Zach Leffler (Cranbrook, BC)

• Beckem Goetz

• Easton Grainger (Kimberley, BC)

• Chace Thorpe (Kimberley, BC)

These five athletes were chosen to participate in the U15 POE program, which serves as a critical step in BC Hockey's high-performance pathway. Notably, both Kane Corkle and Zach Leffler advanced further, contributing to the success of the winning team in their respective POE events.

U16 POE Selections:

• Preston Oler (Cranbrook, BC)

• Kye Taggart (Kimberley, BC)

Oler and Taggart's selection for the U16 POE underscores their skill and potential as they continue to develop within BC Hockey's elite programs.

About BC Hockey's Program of Excellence:

BC Hockey's Program of Excellence is designed to identify and train the province's top young hockey talent. The program includes various stages, such as identification camps, regional tournaments, and provincial camps, providing players with opportunities to compete at higher levels and gain exposure to national and international scouts. 

The East Kootenay Avalanche's strong representation in the POE is a testament to the team's robust development program and the hard work of its players and coaching staff. As these young athletes continue to progress, they carry with them the support and pride of their community.

For more information on BC Hockey's Program of Excellence, visit BC Hockey's official website.