Evan Fuller optimistic heading into final WHL campaign

Williams Lake hockey standout Evan Fuller remembers the date Jan. 6, 2008 off by heart; he recalls the day he got the phone call that he had been traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors from the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League.

“It turned out to be awesome. I knew I was going to be traded. It was just a matter of where, and I couldn’t have ended up with a better team,” Fuller said.

Fuller had spent his previous three WHL seasons with the Cougars and, being a short drive from his hometown, it definitely had its perks but Fuller has found a new home in Moose Jaw.

“It was tough leaving Prince George and I have a lot of great memories there,” Fuller said.

“Being traded was the best thing for me career-wise and Moose Jaw is the best place for me.”

Fuller, who turns 20 June 1, will be joining the Warriors for training camp at the end of August for what will be his fifth and final season in the ‘Dub.’

He knows better than anyone the importance of this season, and will be looked upon for leadership as one of the 20 year olds on the squad.

“We’re losing a lot of older guys so as one of the 20 year olds I’ll be forced to step up,” Fuller said.

The Warriors had a great season as the Saskatchewan squad finished with a 37-21-6-8 win-loss-overtime loss-shootout loss record.

They ended up being ousted from the playoffs in the first round by the Calgary Hitmen in six games.

Fuller, 6’2,” 190 lbs, found himself in a new role after being traded from the basement dwelling Cougars to a strong Warriors side.

Fuller played 24 games with the Cougars before being dealt to Moose Jaw where he played his final 32 games.

He tallied a combined eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 56 games, matching his statistics from the previous season.

Fuller, who’s gained a reputation as a tough player willing to mix it up with anybody, also added 61 penalty minutes.

“This past season I could have done better individually and statistical wise but I’m optimistic heading into my final season,” Fuller said.

“I ended up on a strong team (Moose Jaw) and they were happy with the role I played for them.”

Fuller is back in 150 Mile House for the summer and plans on working in the bush logging.

Fuller, a Vancouver Canucks draft pick, plans to make a few trips to Vancouver for training sessions, but for the most part he will be doing fitness on his own schedule with his main goal to improve on his skating and build more strength in his legs.