(Spruce Grove, AB) – Spruce Grove Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced today 2004 born forward Ewan McPherson has signed a letter of intent for the 2021-2022 season.
McPherson joins the Saints by way of the Maple Leaf Athletic Club (MLAC) U18 team, who compete in the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL) and joins current teammate Brady Kulak as recently committed Saints prospects.
In five games before the AEHL shut down due to COVID-19, the 16 – year- old forward posted two goals, three assists and a Lady Byng like zero penalty minutes, placing him 4th in team scoring.
GM Sklaruk shared his excitement on the newest recruit saying, “Ewan made a great impression at our main camp and into the AJHL development season. He has a very high hockey IQ and skates well, which is always a strong foundational element of our recruitment process. His vision is special, he sees the entire ice and always seems to be at least one step ahead of everyone else when the puck is on his stick.”
Sklaruk went on to say, “He continually shows a knack for finding openings in the defence and then takes advantage of that space with an excellent shot and quick release. Ewan has good balance and puck control which allows him to extend situations into offensive opportunities that other players do not have the ability to execute.”
That offensive ability was on display nightly in the 2019-20 season when McPherson tore up the Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League (AMMHL). In 37 contests, the right shot center placed 1st in league goal scoring with 36 tallies. With the Rocket Richard in hand, he added 45 assists, placing him 2nd overall in league scoring with 81 points and 24 penalty minutes.
Head Coach Bram Stephen was glowing at the prospective high scoring forward and says, “Ewan is an exciting prospect to join the Saints next year because of his offensive hockey IQ and ability to make plays. He’s subtle but exceptionally good with the puck; his anticipation and timing offensively are exciting and elite. That coupled with the fact he still has so much room to develop and his upside physically has the makings of Ewan becoming a premier player in the AJHL as he continues to develop.”
The Saints would like to welcome Ewan and the McPherson family to the organization.