Spruce Grove Saints leading scorer commits to UMD

Josh Polak, the leading scorer for the BCHL’s Spruce Grove Saints, has verbally committed to the Bulldogs. The 18-year-old forward is averaging almost a point per game with 24 points in 25 games this season.

“University of Minnesota Duluth has a proven track record of winning and moving players onto the next level,” Polak said in an announcement by the Saints. “It’s been at the top of my list ever since I began looking at schools and I am ecstatic and honoured to be in this position.”

Polak grew up in Strathcona County, Alberta — just west of Edmonton — and had 21 goals and 32 assists last year with the Shawnigan Lake School Under-18 Prep team.

He is in his first full season of juniors after playing seven games with the Saints last year, scoring a team-high 12 goals, plus 12 assists, so far in 2024-25. Polak will be taking part in the BCHL’s top prospects game and all-star game coming up in January.

“Josh has done everything the right way, he is a special person,” said Saints general manager Rob Sklaruk. “He has been patient in his development, didn’t rush to get to the next level too soon, put in the work on and off the ice and now it’s paid off with his commitment to Minnesota Duluth. Duluth is an exceptional environment for Josh to continue to thrive. The Bulldogs build pro hockey players and we couldn’t be more proud and excited for the opportunity Josh has earned for himself.”

Spruce Grove was one of five Alberta Junior Hockey League teams last season that got kicked out of the league after announcing their intention to joining the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.