For Immediate Release:
Burnaby, BC – SFU Hockey is proud to announce Goaltender Michael Lenko as the first recruit of the 2018/19 class. The Gabriola Island native will join SFU after wrapping up his Junior career with the English River Miners of the SIJHL. The 6’0” 175 goalie will be the second Miners alum on the team joining Ryker Moreau who will be going into his 3rd season with SFU.
“We think he can come in and fight for the starting job” Said SFU Head Coach Mark Coletta. “He has a lot of minutes at the Junior A level and he’s proven to be a number one guy” he added. This will be the first goalie recruit for SFU since Lyndon Stanwood joined the team for the 2015/16 season. He will also give opposing shooters a unique look as he catches with his right hand.
Lenko played in 142 regular season games in Junior collecting 57 wins and has been the starting goaltender for the English River Miners the past two years. He helped guide the team to an SIJHL finals appearance last season. He has put up a 2.99GAA and .916 SV% during his two seasons with the Miners.
SFU fans should be excited about their new puck stopper according to English River Minor Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter. “He’s been outstanding for us and his numbers these past two seasons speak for themselves.” Off the ice Michael won the teams Community Service award for organizing many of the community events at local schools. “He really understands the importance of being in the community, our teams motto is “humility, integrity, courage” and he lives that.”
When asked what fans can expect from him, Lenko describes his style of play as “mobile around the crease and makes the first save, while managing rebounds effectively.” He compares his playing style to that of former NHL goalie Tomas Vokun. He plans study Political Science while at SFU.
There will be big shoes to fill in the crease for SFU this season with the departure of Lyndon Stanwood. The 2016/17 BCIHL MVP has signed a contract to play pro hockey in Sweden next season.
SFU Men’s Hockey was re-established in 2004 and competes in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League. The program focuses on competition, academics, and community service as its core values. For more information about the SFU Hockey program, please visit www.sfuhockey.com.
