Former Flin Flon Bomber Austin Evans is loving the atmosphere of college hockey at Norwich University.
“I’d say so far at Norwich my favourite thing has to be playing a home game here,” said Evans, who is in his first year at the Northfield, Vermont school. “Kreitzberg Arena, where we play, is one of the nicest NCAA Division III rinks in the country. Every home game the fans are loud and very passionate about the team. It’s a great place to play.”
The crowds at Norwich look a bit different from most college hockey games. The school is the oldest private military institution in the United States. Students can enroll in either a military or “civilian” stream, but take classes together.
“I attend class with the military students as well as eat at the same dining hall,” Evans said. “It’s pretty cool to see them out at the games in the student section in their uniforms, all camo and very rowdy!”
In his first season with the Norwich Cadets, Evans, a forward, had two goals and 13 points in 25 games. The squad went 17-8-2 and made it to the New England Hockey Conference semifinals.
“I’d say the biggest change from junior to college hockey has been to amount of games,” said Evans, a communications major who aspires to become a sportswriter. “At the NCAA level, we only play 25 regular season games compared to the 50 some odd games in the SJHL. It allows for more time to focus on the practice and fine-tune your skills. Also, every game matters so much more.”
A Whistler, BC product, Evans’ junior career included time in Junior B, in the BC Hockey League with Cowichan Valley and Alberni Valley, and with the Battlefords North Stars. He joined the Bombers late in the 2013-14 season.
“When I first found out I got traded to the Bombers there was a lot of emotions going through my head,” Evans said. “It was the first time I got traded in my career. But, after talking with coach Mike Reagan, he gave me a lot of confidence and a shot to be a top line guy. I am so grateful I was coached by him because without him and the coaching staff in Flin Flon believing in me on the ice, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Evans had six goals and nine points in his first 18 games with the Bombers. Last season he posted 35 points and 10 goals in 54 games, according to eliteprospects.com.
“The best part about playing in Flin Flon was the connections I created over my year and a half there. Everyone in the community and the organization cares about the team and players so much. To this day I still keep in touch with a lot of the guys on my team and coaches there as well.”
