A Sicamous hockey school product is doing his grandma proud.
The BCHL’s Merritt Centennials recently announced D-man Dane Birks has committed to Michigan Tech University for the 2014-15 season. This is Birks’ first year with the Cents. His last season was on the Kootenay International Hockey League Junior B Creston Valley Thunder Cats lineup, where he had 24 points in 47 games. He also skated 10 BCHL games as an affiliate with the Trail Smoke Eaters, under team head coach, general manager and father, Bill Birks.
“Dane has stepped into our program this season and made an impact immediately,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Luke Pierce in a press release. “He is a player with a tremendous passion for the game and will continue to evolve into a premier defenceman in the BC Hockey League.”
Dane is the grandson of Sicamous’ Marilyn Birks and late husband Doug, after whom the KIJHL division in which the Sicamous Eagles play is named.
Marilyn says Dane was four when he started with the Sicamous Hockey School, and he attended every year. At 15, Dane came back for a season as an instructor.
“I guess he’s got a full ride to Michigan Tech. That’s kind of nice,” says Marilyn. “I don’t know how that worked out but wow, Doug would sure be proud.”