The University of British Columbia men's hockey team added former Western Hockey League player to its latest class of recruits, bringing Burnaby native and former Seattle Thunderbird captain Luke Lockhart on board for the upcoming collegiate season.
Lockhart, 20, is a major addition to the UBC program. He played five seasons for Seattle, leading the team to the playoffs for the first time in four years this past campaign, scoring 25 goals and compiling 49 points. He was voted the team's most valuable player by his teammates.
The 5-11, 189-pound centre made a reputation for himself as a gritty and tenacious two-way player in the WHL, racking up 75 goals, 165 points and 146 penalty minutes in 345 career games.
"Luke brings instant leadership and character to our program," said UBC head coach Milan Dragicevic. "He is a former captain in the WHL and will have a positive impact on UBC on and off the ice. We are pleased that Luke decided to attend UBC to continue his hockey and pursue a great education."
Lockhart is the fourth ex-WHL player to commit to UBC for next season, along with Greg Fraser, Wes Vannieuwenhuizen and Brandon Underwood.
"UBC is a great school with a solid hockey program," said Lockhart. "I'm looking forward to being a part of it all."
Earlier this year, Lockhart was given a tremendous honour as the City of Kent, Wash., which is home to the Seattle Thunderbirds, declared March 16 Luke Lockhart Day.
