Photo Credit: Tami Quan Photography
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25th, 2020
WEST KELOWNA B.C. – The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce Captain Jake Harrison’s commitment to University of Nebraska Omaha for the 2020-21 season.
Harrison, 20, was injured after game one of the regular season but returned for the first round of the playoffs registering 4 points in 5 games for the Warriors. “We are very happy for Jake and his family”, said Warriors Head Coach Simon Ferguson. “Jake went through a very difficult season, but was always positive and a consummate leader in our dressing room. When he stepped back on the ice in the playoffs it gave our team a huge lift and he was one of the best players on the ice. Nebraska Omaha is getting a quality player and person and we are excited to follow his career.”
Harrison’s path to recovery was long and strenuous. The West Kelowna native had to make sure he was well rested but at the same time conditioned to maintain peak performance. Harrison still had a presence in the community, attending numerous school visits, events and majority of games making sure he can provide leadership in the dressing room.
Harrison turned heads with his surprising return in round one of the BCHL Playoffs, earning a couple phone calls from NCAA scouts. “I am beyond excited to commit to such a great school”, said Harrison. “The culture and the high level of Omaha gets me the most excited.”
Jake Harrison had a long road to recovery and had a long list of daily activities to keep himself fit and motivated. “I was doing a mixture of a lot of things”, said Harrison. “Steady cardio, eye function training, mental health sessions, healthy nutrition and proper sleeping habits”.
Harrison had a long list of people to thank. “I want to thank my family first. They stuck by me and supported me through some very tough times and guided me the best way they could. My coaches and teammates for always being there everyday and giving me a chance to play in the playoffs. My friends and of course one special friend, Warriors superfan Brendan Ritchie for being such an inspiration to myself and many others. Lastly the Omaha coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.” Warriors superfan Brendan Ritchie is currently stationed at Stollery Children’s hospital in Edmonton battling pulmonary hypertension.
Harrison is the only graduating player this season for the Warriors will all other players eligible to return for the 2020/2021 season.
