For Immediate Release:
Burnaby, BC – SFU Hockey is pleased to announce the signing of former Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) Captain Cole Plotnikoff. The 6’0″/185lb center split his 4 Junior A seasons between the BCHL, AJHL and SJHL, putting up 86 points in 169 games, his most productive season coming in 2016/17 with Kindersley (35 points in 49 games). Plotnikoff, along with SFU teammate Mac Colasimone, was also part of the 2013/14 Richmond Sockeyes team that would advance to the PIJHL finals.
“Cole is a great addition to our group,” says SFU Head Coach Mark Coletta. “He skates well, can get up and down the ice with ease, and has an offensive upside.”
Plotnikoff plans to enter the Business Administration program at SFU, following in the footsteps of his dad Mike Plotnikoff, who started a fibre communications business.
The Surrey, BC native joins some familiar faces including Colasimone, Spencer Unger and Jordan Funk on the SFU squad. “The best part of my hockey career has been the comradery I’ve established with teammates who I know will be life long friends. Being part of a couple teams that went to the finals in their respective leagues has proven the cliche to me that when everyone is on the same page, great things can be accomplished and for that I’m grateful.”
Plotnikoff describes his style as a speedy 2-way forward, who doesn’t shy away from the defensive zone. “I’ve been taught that great defense leads to good offense and it’s 100% true.”
“My goals for the upcoming season are to get my personal numbers up with goals and assists and pitch in where I’m needed so that I can say that I helped a team win a championship. I am confident that the team will win a championship and wherever I am needed to make that become a reality, I will take on that responsibility. Team first always.”
Plotnikoff is the 7th recruit announcement during a busy offseason for SFU. Prior announcements include Michael Lenko, Mathieu Jallabert, Jordan Funk, Jamieson Ree, Mitch Newsome and Domenic Masellis. Additional announcements are to follow in the coming weeks.
