It was nearly a year ago when the News-Optimist reported on Bryce Gervais earning co-MVP honours with the Prince Albert Mintos of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League.
This season Gervais added more accolades to his young hockey career. The Battlefords product was turning heads in the BCHL with the Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Gervais put up 29 goals and 22 assists in 58 games in his rookie season with the Backs. His point totals helped him earn some high praise from his team, the league and now the Minnesota State University club hockey program.
Gervais has committed for the 2012 season.
Gervais earned top rookie honours on the SilverBacks this season, was named Rookie of the Year of the Interior Conference and was named to the BCHL's All Rookie Team.
Last season, following a 36 goals, 34 assists season in 43 games with the Mintos, Gervais received praise from his coach Tim Leonard.
"It took some time, but like I told Bryce tonight, the product that's walking out that door this evening, I'm proud of," Leonard told the Prince Albert Daily Hearld after the Minots award banquet.
Leonard can be proud of the player Gervais is today along with the number of coaches and players who were alongside Gervais during his younger minor hockey days in the Battlefords.
Gervais turned 19 in February and will be moving to a new city for the third straight season. Since he was 16, Gervais has moved away from the Battelfords for the hockey season. Gervais will join the Minnesota Stare University Mavericks hockey tradition and will be there for four years- after earning a Division I scholarship.
"We are excited for Bryce and proud of this achievement," said Backs' head coach Tim Kehler on the Backs' website. "This commitment follows years of hard work and perseverance, and is another accolade in what has been a tremendous first season in the BCHL."
