Princeton Posse forward Tanner Funk will play for the Okanagan Lakers in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League next season.
In 40 games last season, Funk had nine goals and 28 points. The Swift Current, Sask., product added six points in 21 KIJHL Teck Cup championship games this season. In three seasons with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats and Posse, Funk had 13 goals and 39 points in 78 career regular season games.
Funk is looking forward to his next chapter of going to school in Kelowna while playing hockey.
“I have some old teammates there and the opportunity to play with friends at a strong level of hockey with a good organization and school was what I wanted,” said Funk.
Funk credits getting more opportunity this season to his improved skills.
“I gained more confidence with the puck. Forechecking hard and my speed are the biggest parts of my game.”
Funk credited the great coaching from Mark Readman in Creston Valley and Princeton over the last three years for developing as a person and player.
Readman, the Posse’s Head Coach-Assistant GM, said the Posse are proud to see Funk join the Lakers program.
“Tanner is a perfect example that success is not linear. Tanner was a player who lost an entire year due to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic when we were in Creston Valley together,” said Readman. “Since Tanner joined our program last season, he has had a direct impact not only on the ice with his production skyrocketing with more opportunity, but he fit in with our culture right away. Tanner is a fast, big, physical player that filled many roles with our club.”
Funk’s impact led to him earning their Unsung Hero Award.
“He may not be the first player you recognize on our roster, but his impact will be felt daily.”