BROOKS, AB (May 12, 2016) – 1997-born forward Nicholas Hamre (Cumberland, ON) has committed to play for the Brooks Bandits, beginning in the 2016-17 Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) season, the team announced today.
Hamre, 19, has just completed his third year of competition for Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire, part of the New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association. This past season, Hamre scored 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in 34 games.
“We are excited about the addition of Nic to our program,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. “He is a fantastic person and is very well regarded by the coaching staff at Kimball Union.
“During his visit to Brooks it was obvious he has a passion for the game and is mature beyond his years,” he added.
In total, the 5’9”, 185lb forward played in 99 games over three years with the Wildcats, scoring 71 points (34 goals, 37 assists).
“It’s a great opportunity to play in such an unbelievable environment,” said Hamre. “I’m humbled to be a part of an organization that has constantly had success, and I’m hoping to impact the team in a positive way right from the get-go.”
Prior to his prep school career, Hamre was the third-highest scoring player for the Eastern Ontario Wild minor midget AAA team, recording 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 29 games, for a team that won the OHL Gold Cup tournament.
“I am looking forward to the leadership and work ethic that Nic will bring to our program,” Papaioannou added. “He’s coming off of a great season and we hope to have him build off of that success.”
Hamre is the fifth player committed to the Bandits for 2016-17, joining 1997-born forward Tyler Carangelo (Hamden, CT) of Avon Old Farms, 1998-born forward Arnaud Vachon (Ajax, ON) of The Hill Academy, 1997-born defenceman Josh Gagne (Caledon, ON) of The Gunnery, and 1997-born forward Oliver Chau (Oakville, ON) of Northfield Mount Hermon.