Merrimack recruit Mark Hillier has opted to play a season in the BCHL, committing to the Surrey Eagles for the 2020-21 season.
Hillier, who set the scoring record at St. Andrew’s in Ontario last season, was slated to be a freshman at Merrimack this upcoming season. With COVID-19 creating uncertainty in all of college sports, there have been some players across college hockey who have pushed back their arrivals. Hillier is still committed to the Warriors and will now arrive for the 2021-22 season.
“The Newfoundland native is quick, athletic and has so much confidence with the puck,” NZ scouts said. “Hillier does everything with pace, he moves it, gets open and gets it back in tight or he can make the 20-foot high saucer pass for a breakaway chance as he did so against Rivers a few times. Just an elite puck distributor. Sharp on his edges, can turn on a dime, stops on pucks, throws weight around and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He was F1 on the forecheck on most occasions too. Very skilled but he works for every inch.
Hillier scored 52 goals and added 60 assists in 56 games for St. Andrew’s last season, breaking the record set by Warren Foegele, who is now with the Carolina Hurricanes.
“The best way to describe Mark’s game is to envision a younger Jonathan Toews,” said Surrey head coach Cam Keith. “Mark is good friends with former linemate (Bentley recruit) Cole Galata which influenced his decision to pick Surrey. The chemistry they create is nothing short of spectacular. You win championships with kids like Mark and Cole so our expectations have greatly increased.”
