A Port Moody connection is leading a Port Moody hockey player to the University of Michigan.
Kent Johnson has committed to play for the Wolverines in Ann Arbour, Mich. in 2020-21. That’s the same school attended by the 16 year-old forward’s current coach with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BC Hockey League, Jeff Tambellini, who also grew up in Port Moody.
Tambellini spent three years playing for the Wolverines before he turned pro. He returned to the school last year to complete his degree and serve as an assistant coach for the hockey team before taking the job in Trail.
“I am so excited for Kent and the Johnson family to be a part of the University of Michigan family,” Tambellini said in a press release. “I can speak first hand on what an amazing university and hockey program he is now going to be a part of.”
Johnson is playing his first full season in the BCHL. He has 26 points in 40 games.
His older brother, Kyle, is in his freshman season at Yale University after three seasons with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings where he scored 107 points in 151 games. He’s played in five the Bulldogs’ 14 games so far this season and has one assist.
Meanwhile, Anmore’s Ethan Leyh will be headed to the Quinnipiac University Bobcats, in Hamden, Conn.
Leyh, 17, leads the Langley Rivermen in scoring with 32 points in 31 games. He’s in his second season in the BCHL.
The Bobcats are currently ranked third in the NCAA, with several BCHL players committed to join the program, including Chiiliwack’s Skyler Brind’amour, the son of former NHLer Rod Brind’amour. The team’s current roster already features 10 BCHL almumni.
