Veteran centre Hochhausen earns ticket to Alaska-Fairbanks

Press Release

Things are looking up for Shawn Hochhausen.  Way up.

The Warriors forward has accepted a scholarship to the University Alaska-Fairbanks. Set to graduate from junior hockey at the end of this year, the 20-year-old will begin play with the Nanooks in the fall of 2013.

He’ll be joined by a familiar face in Alaska, with current West Kelowna teammate Marcus Basara having already committed to UAF. Basara is also Alaska bound after this year.

“It’s always nice to have a buddy going, that’s for sure” said the veteran centreman, adding he has plenty of other reasons for choosing UAF.  “It’s seems like a good program, I’ve heard lots of good things. It seems like a great place to live as well.

“It’s a lot different from other places, but I think I’ll like it."

Currently in his third year with the Warriors, Hochhausen has become a centerpiece of the team. The Kelowna native has played in every one of West Kelowna’s 35 games so far this year, posting 28 points and 52 penalty minutes.

“Hawk is just as important to any team as the 50-goal scorer or the unbelievable goalie," said Warriors head coach Rylan Ferster. “You won’t win without guys like him.”

Ferster contends that Hochhausen is one of the most complete players in the BCHL and also believes his value will translate to the NCAA.

“He’s going to be a guy who’ll be in the lineup every single night because he’s just so hard to play against.”

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)