The Virden Oil Capitals are extremely proud to announce that 18 year old forward Dylan Thiessen has committed to the NCAA Division I Mercyhurst Lakers for the 2017-2018 Season.
Thiessen had an outstanding rookie season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The 1998 born winger appeared in all 60 games, scored 17 goals adding 16 assists for 33 points.
“Its pretty awesome” said Thiessen. “Its something that I wasn’t expecting to get this early. It all happened so quickly.”
“Since I was 8 years old, its been my dream to play Division 1 Hockey. Its unreal to have that finally come true.”
Thiessen’s 33 point season left him 4th in the MJHL Rookie Scoring Race and helped him capture the 2014/2015 Oil Capitals Rookie of the Year Award.
“We’re extremely happy for Dylan. He is a very good student and has worked hard to earn this opportunity” said GM & Head Coach Troy Leslie.
The Winnipeg native is set to return to Virden for his 2nd full season and will be relied on to provide similar offense and leadership.
“Im really looking forward to it. We have a great group of guys” said Thiessen.
“With the new guys coming in, and our veterans I think we have a great chance to build on last year.”
Thiessen enters this season as the clubs 2nd leading scorer from last year, behind Devin Schram.
“We are glad to have Dylan back as he will play an important role on this years club” Leslie added.
Mercyhurst College is located in Erie, Pennsylvania and welcomes over 4,500 students every year.
The Lakers Men’s Hockey Team competes in the Atlantic Hockey Division and has been coached by Rick Gotkin for the last 28 years. In that time, the Lakers have amassed nearly 500 wins, 6 NCAA tournament appearances and five league championships.
