Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – A defined goal for the Griffins men's hockey team after their bid for a Canada West playoff spot in 2022-23 came up just short was to become harder to play against this season.

Head coach Zack Dailey has been adding several pieces to help them achieve that aim, and his latest addition will add even more sandpaper to the roster.

Eduard Wruck is joining the Griffins out of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's OCN Blizzard.

The rugged defenceman had 20 points in 29 regular season games for OCN last season, adding three more in six playoff contests. He also spent the first half of the campaign with the Weyburn Red Wings in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, producing five points in 22 contests.

"He's a big body, plays pretty physical and he keeps his game simple, which is great," said Dailey. "It's something we need to do a little bit more of this year is just keeping things simple, making good hard plays and being hard to play against in our defensive zone. These are all things he does."

The 6-foot-1 North Vancouver product has also played for Steinbach (MJHL) and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL) over three seasons in junior hockey after graduating from the Vancouver NW Hawks U18AAA program.

"Talking with his advisor, the first thing he said about him wasn't about his hockey, but how good of a kid he is," said Dailey. "He's going to fit in great, he's going to be a good person in the dressing room and a good teammate. 

"He wants a chance to compete and help a program out, so he's really excited about the opportunity, and we're excited to have him."