Spruce Grove Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced Wednesday forward Josh Polak (’06) has committed to Division I University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) in the NCAA.
Polak, 18, is enjoying a strong rookie campaign in the BCHL with the Saints, registering 12 goals and 24 points in 25 games with the club this season. The 18-year-old forward is leading the team in goals (12), points (24), and power play goals (5) while ranking 18th in the BCHL in goals with his 12 markers this season.
Polak’s excellent season has been recognized at a league level as well as the forward has been selected for both the Top Prospects Game and BCHL All-Star Game in Salmon Arm, BC, taking place on January 17th and 18th as part of the league’s All-Star Weekend.
“Josh has done everything the right way, he is a special person,” commented Sklaruk, “He has been patient in his development, didn’t rush to get to the next level too soon, put in the work on and off the ice and now it’s paid off with his commitment Minnesota-Duluth. Duluth is an exceptional environment for Josh to continue to thrive, the Bulldogs build pro hockey players and we couldn’t be more proud and excited for the opportunity Josh has earned for himself.”
“University of Minnesota-Duluth has a proven track record of winning and moving players onto the next level,” said Polak, “It’s been at the top of my list ever since I began looking at schools and I am ecstatic and honoured to be in this position.”
The Bulldogs play out of the nine-team NCHC and are led by Head Coach Scott Sandelin, who is currently in his 25th year behind the bench at UMD. Located in Duluth, Minnesota and playing out of AMSOIL Arena, the Bulldogs have won three NCAA titles, most recently back-to-back in 2018 & 2019.
Polak and the Saints return to action on Friday night when they take on the Okotoks Oilers for the second time this season. Puck drop is set for 7:05 PM from Viking Rentals Centre with the game broadcasted live on the Saints Radio Network as well as streamed online on FloHockey.
The Saints return home to Spruce Grove for their final game before the holiday break on Saturday, December 21st to host the Sherwood Park Crusaders. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM at Grant Fuhr Arena with tickets available for purchase online at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca.
