Former Virden Oil Capital players Tristen Cross of Virden, MB and Blake Sidoni of Trail, BC have committed to the Selkirk College Saints of the BCIHL for the 2019-2020 hockey season.
Cross, a smooth skating defenseman, played 4 seasons in his hometown, with his 20 year-old campaign being his most productive. He suited up in all 60 regular season games and compiled 15 goals and 30 assists for 45 points while being named a MJHL 2ndteam all star. Cross then helped the Oil Caps to the league semi-final by putting up 1 goal and five assists in 10 playoff games. In his career Cross played in 187 regular season games for the Oil Caps and finished with 29 goals, 76 assists for 105 points and amassed 207 PIM’s. In 35 playoff games he scored 3 goals and 10 assists while helping the Oil Caps to the league final in 2017-2018. The Oil Caps will miss Tristen’s compete level, skill and leadership as he moves on to college hockey.
“Tristen has been a huge part of the Oil Caps program for a long time. One of the fastest players I’ve had the chance to coach, a player of his calibre will be missed on the ice and in the dressing room. It’s always pretty special for a player to play his entire junior career in his hometown and Tristen was an excellent ambassador for our program in all aspects. We would like to express our gratitude to Tristen for his commitment to the Oil Caps. He will certainly be missed and we wish him all the best as he moves on to Selkirk College.”, said Oil Caps GM and Head Coach Tyson Ramsey.
Cross is excited for the move to BC and very appreciative of his time with his hometown team.
“I’m super excited to head out to play for Selkirk College. I played all of my junior years in Virden so I’ve never actually left home so this will be a first for me. I wouldn’t be able to go where I’m going if it wasn’t for the Oil Caps. My game has changed and improved over the last 4 years in Virden and I can’t thank everyone involved with the team enough for helping me get to the next level!”
Blake Sidoni joined the Oil Caps via trade from the Trail Smoke Eaters part way through last season and in 45 games with the Oil Caps he scored 15 goals and added 32 assists for 47 points while playing in all situations. The crafty left winger had 2 goals and 5 assists in 8 playoff games helping the Oil Caps to the league semi-final.
“Blake joined our team while we were in an early season slump and not coincidentally we went on a season high undefeated streak shortly after Blake arrived. His gritty game combined with good vision and great skill was a welcome addition to our hockey club. His mature attitude and leadership was something that our young group needed to take the next step. We want to thank Blake for his contribution to our hockey club and wish him all the best moving forward back home in BC.”, said Oil Caps GM and Head Coach Tyson Ramsey.
Blake is excited to be heading back home to continue his hockey and education experience.
“Selkirk College is close to home and I’m looking forward to returning to play for the Saints. I will bring determination and hard work on the ice. I’ve been fortunate to be part of winning teams in the past and want to help the Saints win another championship this season.”, stated Sidoni.
The Oil Capitals would like to wish Tristen and Blake all the best in their future endeavors.
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