Next season Flin Flon Bombers defenceman Eric Sinclair will be displaying his skills up north in a place that feels a bit like his home to the east.
The Kenora, Ont. product has announced his commitment to play next season for the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
The Seawolves compete at the NCAA Division I level, the highest in US university hockey. The opportunity to play at that level, a scholarship offer he could not refuse, and the scenic beauty of Alaska were all factors in Sinclair’s decision to choose UAA.
“The scenery there is kinda like home, so I was naturally drawn to it,” said Sinclair, who plans to major in construction management.
Bombers head coach Mike Reagan said the organization is happy for Sinclair, who joined the team in October.
“He’s a great kid that has an impact on all aspects of the game,” Reagan said. “His presence since being in Flin Flon has been huge. His compete level is through the roof.”
Several schools were interested in the 20-year-old defenceman. The Seawolves staff definitely wanted the talented Sinclair. They made a trip to Flin Flon to see the blueliner in action.
“UAA showed a lot of interest and came and watched me play,” Sinclair said.
The Seawolves roster includes former Nipawin Hawk Tad Kozun. Former Battlefords North Stars forward Blake Tatchell wrapped up his four-year career with the Seawolves last season. UAA alumni include retired NHLer Mike Peluso and current pro Jay Beagle of the Washington Capitals.
The Seawolves compete in the historic Western Collegiate Hockey Asso-ciation. WCHA member teams have won a record 36 NCAA men’s championships. The league’s list of members has undergone some changes in the past half decade, but it still boasts such teams as Lake Superior State University and Michigan Tech, where former Bomber Alex Smith is succeeding as a rookie.
Sinclair came to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League as an 18-year-old rookie. He posted 10 points in 43 games – playing both forward and defence – while helping the Melfort Mustangs to the 2015 league championship. Last season he was a force on the blue line with 45 points in 58 games.
Sinclair was named the SJHL’s IBAS Top Defenceman for the season and helped the Mustangs defend their Canalta Cup. When Sinclair’s commitment to UAA was announced, the Mustangs tweeted their congratulations on their official Twitter feed.
“Each year I was lucky enough to be on the Canalta Cup team and it’s helped me elevate my game a lot since midget,” Sinclair said.
He started this season with the Mustangs but was traded to Melville to fulfill the future considerations component of a previous trade. Sinclair opted not to report and was acquired by the Bombers. In just 15 games with the Bombers he has posted 16 points, with three goals.
“I’ve enjoyed the team atmosphere and how everything is done together since being on the Bombers,” Sinclair said.
