Ty Pochipinski has been a bright spot in a difficult season for the Cowichan Valley Capitals, and he has been rewarded for his play with an NCAA Div. I scholarship.
The native of Colorado Springs, Colo., will head home next year on a scholarship to Colorado College.
The 19-year-old centre has been among the team’s most consistent players this season. His 19 goals are the most on the team, and his 34 points are just three back of captain Troy MacTavish’s 37. Pochipinski, MacTavish and defenceman Marshall Skapski are the only players who have suited up for every game this year.
“I’m extremely excited to announce my commitment to play D1 hockey at Colorado College. Thank you to all my friends, teammates, and family who helped me get here. Go Tigers!” Pochipinski said in a tweet announcing his commitment.
This is Pochipinski’s second season with Cowichan. In his first year, he scored six goals and added five assists for 11 points in 57 games. Prior to joining the Caps, he played for Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy in Kelowna and the U16 Colorado Rampage.
The Colorado College Tigers sit 23rd in the U.S. in the most recent RPI National Hockey Rankings, with an overall record of 12-12-4.
Pochipinski is the first player from this year’s Cowichan team to commit to a college deal.