West Kelowna Warriors defencemam Nick Rutigliano has committed to the Bentley University for the 2017-18 NCAA season.
Rutigliano, from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts is in his second season with the Warriors, playing big minutes on the back end.
He has five goals and points this season, and has played 109 career games for the Warriors.
"I'm extremely excited to be a (Bentley) Falcon," said Rutigliano. "I would like to thank my coaches and family for supporting me throughout this whole process I felt it was a great fit for me academically and having it be close to home made it an easy decision along with what the coaches had to say. It also doesn't hurt having Brett Mennear and Jonathan Desbiens going there as well." said Rutigliano
Head coach and general manager Rylan Ferster is happy for Rutigliano.
"Nick has been a key part to our hockey club the last two seasons and we're extremely excited for him to head to a great program. Nick is consistently one of our best defensemen night in and night out."
Rutigliano will play another season for West Kelowna, before heading off to school. The Bentley Falcons currently have six former BCHLers on their roster, with Desbiens and three others joining the team next season. Mennear will also go in 2017-18
Warriors on a roll…
The Warriors are unbeaten in eight games (7-0-1) as they head to Penticton Friday night to take on the first-place Vees.
West Kelowna (33-16-2-1) have already clinched a playoff spot and are closing in on a second place finish in the Interior Division.
The Warriors are coming off a weekend sweep in Trail with 9-0 and 4-1 wins over the Smoke Eaters.
West Kelowna's next home action is Saturday against the Langley Rivermen. Face off at Royal LeaPage is 7 p.m.