The Simon Fraser University Men’s Hockey team is adding some hometown talent with the addition of Valik Chichkin. The big 6’4″ defenceman from Burnaby is the fifth player to commit to the Clan as part of the 2015/16 recruit class.
Chichkin comes to the clan with high expectations from Head Coach Mark Coletta; “We expect big things from Valik. We spent a lot of time recruiting him and he is going to be an anchor for our team for many years.” With four full seasons being a key player for Junior A teams, Valik will be counted on to be a major contributor for the Clan.
He joins SFU from the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL where he put up 17 points, all assists, in 28 games after a mid-season trade from Prince George. His 69 points (11g-58a) in 169 games prove that along with being an imposing force on the blue line, Chichkin will be able to help provide some offence for an SFU team that is looking to improve on the 81 goals they scored during 2014/15. Along with Camrose and Prince George, he also spent time in the BCHL with Trail, Cowichan and Langley, preceded by a year in the PJHL with Squamish.
When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Valik’s answer was short and sweet. “Win a league championship.” As for what to expect from him on the ice, he describes himself as “competitive, while trying to pitch in offensively”.
Chichkin is the latest piece of a new look defence that is growing, both in numbers and height. “Valik is another big defenceman that brings us a wealth of Jr. A experience to help rebuild the defensive unit,” Coletta continued.
While he was born in Europe, Chichkin grew up in Burnaby and played for both Burnaby Minor Hockey and the Burnaby Winter Club during his hockey development. The chance to play in Burnaby is something he is looking forward to. “It’s great to be playing back in Burnaby in front of hometown fans, as well as friends and family,” said Chichkin. Having another local player on the roster is important to Mark Coletta. “Having a local Burnaby boy is a great thing for our Hockey club. It just shows that good hockey players can stay close to home, get a top flight education, and play quality hockey.”
Chichkin joins Dustin Cave, Jamie Waddington, Robson Cramer, and Darnel St. Pierre as the fifth recruit thus far in what is expected to be a very strong recruiting class for the 2015-16 season for SFU.
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.
