Ooks Ink Klassen for 2020
(Spruce Grove, AB)- The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce that twenty-year-old forward Tanner Klassen has committed to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Ooks for the upcoming 2020-2021 season.
Klassen now joins the Ooks hockey program, located in Edmonton, who compete in the Alberta College Athletic Conference (ACAC).
The Calgary, AB, native just completed a 3-year AJHL career and spent his final junior season with the Saints after being acquired from the Calgary Mustangs this past off season.
Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk spoke of the graduating Klassen and his commitment.
?Tanner came as advertised; he was everything that we thought he was when we acquired him. He worked hard to learn the Saints way and was a very solid veteran contributor to our group.? Sklaruk stated.
?It?s too bad the season was cut short because Tanner had a heck of a first round of playoffs for us and I think he would have only gotten better as we moved on. We are proud to see Tanner join NAIT and look forward to watching him continue his career and academics.? Sklaruk finished.
The 5?7?, 165 lbs forward was peaking at the right time for the Saints when he notched 2 goals and 5 assists in 5 playoff games in the first round of the 2020 AJHL Playoffs versus Grande Prairie.
Saints Head Coach Bram Stephen was pleased upon hearing of Klassen?s commitment.
?We are very happy that Tanner has chosen to commit to a program as successful as NAIT. Tanner is a team first player that cares a lot about playing the right way and making others around him better. He?s a driven person and we look forward to watching his success at NAIT next year.? Said Stephen.
In 53 games in Spruce Grove Klassen posted 13 goals and 26 assists accompanied with 38 pims. Klassen?s career AJHL numbers include 168 games played with 40 goals, 74 assists and 80 penalty minutes.
The Spruce Grove Saints would like to congratulate Tanner and his family on his great achievement.