LAURIER'S GIRARD STARTS PRO CAREER IN EUROPE
June 19, 2009
WATERLOO, Ont. - Wilfrid Laurier forward Luke Girard, a Mississauga, Ont. native, will be starting his professional hockey career in Belgium next season with the Herentalse HYC of the Royal Belgian Ice Hockey Federation.
"After four enjoyable years with the Golden Hawks I am excited to be given the opportunity to play in Belgium," said Girard. "I am thankful for my time at Laurier and for those who have assisted me in obtaining my dream of playing hockey at the professional level."
The history major played four seasons with the Golden Hawks scoring 41 goals and 41 assists in 97 games. In the 2008-2009 campaign he scored 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points which was good for fourth on the men's team.
"Luke was a very valuable member of the Golden Hawks for the last four seasons and his on-ice ability and off-ice demeanour will be missed," said Laurier head coach Kelly Nobes. "Having players reach the professional ranks is a testament to the quality of the Golden Hawks hockey program and I want to wish him the best of luck with his career."
Girard is one of several graduating Hawks that will be playing professionally next season either in North America or Europe.
The Herentalse HYC finished their regular season in first place with 14-4-2 record and advanced all the way to the Belgian championship final which they won in seven games against the Turnhout White Caps. Earlier in the season the Whitecaps defeated HYC 4-3 in the Belgian Cup final.
The Wilfrid Laurier men's hockey team finished their regular season with a 22-5-1 record atop the OUA west. After receiving a first round bye, the team defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves in three games before falling to the Western Mustangs in the OUA semifinal.
Source: Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks
"After four enjoyable years with the Golden Hawks I am excited to be given the opportunity to play in Belgium," said Girard. "I am thankful for my time at Laurier and for those who have assisted me in obtaining my dream of playing hockey at the professional level."
The history major played four seasons with the Golden Hawks scoring 41 goals and 41 assists in 97 games. In the 2008-2009 campaign he scored 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points which was good for fourth on the men's team.
"Luke was a very valuable member of the Golden Hawks for the last four seasons and his on-ice ability and off-ice demeanour will be missed," said Laurier head coach Kelly Nobes. "Having players reach the professional ranks is a testament to the quality of the Golden Hawks hockey program and I want to wish him the best of luck with his career."
Girard is one of several graduating Hawks that will be playing professionally next season either in North America or Europe.
The Herentalse HYC finished their regular season in first place with 14-4-2 record and advanced all the way to the Belgian championship final which they won in seven games against the Turnhout White Caps. Earlier in the season the Whitecaps defeated HYC 4-3 in the Belgian Cup final.
The Wilfrid Laurier men's hockey team finished their regular season with a 22-5-1 record atop the OUA west. After receiving a first round bye, the team defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves in three games before falling to the Western Mustangs in the OUA semifinal.
Source: Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks