The Whitecourt Wolverines are proud to announce 20-year-old forward Trace Elson has committed to play for the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks (ACAC) beginning in 2015/2016 season.
The St. Albert, Alberta product, Elson, leaves the Wolverines as the franchises all-time leader in games played (153), assists (59) and points (109), he also added 50 goals in a Wolverines sweater and played 24 more games in the playoffs scoring 5 goals and adding 10 assists during his three years with the Wolverines.
The NAIT Ooks are the reigning ACAC champions and have won the title twice in the last three years. They’re lead behind the bench by Serge Lajoie, who has been at the helm of the Ooks program for the past 5 years after coming over from the University of Alberta. The Ooks 2014/2015 roster featured 20 players who are AJHL alumnus, including former Wolverine forward Jamie Johnson and brother of former Wolverine MVP Matthew Abt, Jordan.
“Trace was a great representation of the Wolverines identity over the last 3 years. He was a big part of our success in our inaugural season and became a good leader on and off the ice. He is an exceptional player with top end speed and creativity. Trace played with pride and passion and always came to the rink with a positive attitude and a great work ethic. We have no doubt he will be a great addition to the NAIT Ooks hockey program,” stated Coach Bouchard.
The entire Wolverines organization would like to congratulate Trace and his family on his selection of NAIT for his college experience and wish him all the best in his academics and athletics.
Last year the Wolverines sent 8 players onto collegiate careers at the NCAA, CIS, and ACAC level.
Trace is the 6th Wolverine to commit to University/College this year:
James Vermeulen – Northern Michigan University
Taden Rattie – Western Michigan University
Gordie Ballhorn – Rochester Institute of Technology
John Mullally – University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Joseph Nardi – Northern Michigan University
Trace Elson – Northern Alberta Institute of Technology