The Delta Ice Hawks sizzling start to the season has got attention of more than just their opponents in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League.
Defenceman Mark Whiteley has signed with the Langley Rivermen of the B.C. Junior Hockey League and he's not the only one who has generated interested.
BCHL teams are also asking about first-year forward Mak Barden, who is second in PIJHL scoring with 32 points in 16 games. The 19-year-old Surrey native played in the BCHL last season with Salmon Arm where he was limited to fourth line duty and killing penalties. He has flourished in Delta and once again showing the offensive touch he enjoyed throughout his minor hockey career.
"He is coming from a situation that wasn't great from him and getting the opportunity to use his natural ability," said Ice Hawks head coach Dave McLellan. "He is getting the calls already but his thought process his to play with us for the rest of his career then be part of the SFU program. It's a good decision for him as he gets a chance to be an effective player and to try and win a championship but you still never know what kind of opportunity might come along."
Whiteley's departure wasn't a huge surprise given he was an affiliate player with the Rivermen last season. He opted not to attend their training camp in August but Langley knew what it was getting in the 19-year-old who has been a steady fixture on the Delta blueline since he was 16.
"It's great for him and that's what (this league) is all about," continued McLellan. "This is his last kick of the can and he has to make the best of it."
The Ice Hawks didn't have to look far for another veteran defence-man as 20-year-old Ryan Mana has rejoined the club following a brief retirement.
The 6-foot-4 Bellingham native was mainstay on the blueline during the 2010-11 season but left the game to focus on his studies at Western Washington University.
Now he's back for his final year of junior eligibility. The Ice Hawks have also signed his 17-year-old brother Kyle Mana - another blue-liner.
"You see that happen all the time in junior where a player realizes he wants to give it one more chance," added McLellan. "He has jumped in and played well already and he is not even in game shape yet."
The Hawks improved to 13-2-1 on the season with a dominating 61 victory over Mission on Tuesday night. Team captain Alex Martin led the way with a pair of goals and one assist. Michael Olson-Eyre, Tanner Gattinger, Aaron Merrick and Barden also scored. Icing...
The club also announced Thursday the signing of South Delta Minor Hockey graduate Mitch Walter.
The 16-year-old forward was a second round pick (31st overall) of the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. He was in his second season with the Greater Vancouver Canadians of the B.C.
Major Midget Hockey League.
