As we continue to catch up on commitments for the Michigan Tech Huskies, we feature Alex Gillies today. The 5’11” forward, who committed to the Huskies earlier in October, currently leads the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) in goals and ranks second on the team in points. Gillies is 17 years old and was one of only 17 players born in 1995 on a BCHL roster last season. The Vernon, British Columbia, native was one of only three 16-year-old forwards to hit double digits in goals during the 2011–12 BCHL season, finishing just behind RPI recruit Evan Tironese (14 goals) and top BCHL prospect Demico Hannoun (12 goals) with 10 goals.
Before heading to the BCHL, Gillies played a season for the Okanagan Rockets (BCMML) where he lead the team in scoring with 19 goals and 35 points in 40 games. He finished in the top 12 for goals in the league. Gillies is known for his offensive talent, hockey IQ and poise on the ice. Those are the kind of things Michigan Tech should be looking for in any forward on their radar. Mel Pearson and company found a real gem in Alex Petan last year and expect quite a bit from all of their BCHL rookies (Khaira and Gould). Hopefully they have found a similar talent in Gillies. His commitment makes him one of four current BCHL players whose development Huskies fans will want to keep an eye on, joining Reid Sturos, Evan Anderson and Dane Birks.
The Silverbacks leader is currently slated to join Michigan Tech after two more seasons in the BCHL, but he is in a similar situation to Brett Boeing, Dylan Steman, Jake Kauppila and Anderson. As was mentioned in the Boeing article, it is likely that some of these recruits will not head to Houghton until the 2015–16 season. Gillies is a young, high-ceiling player that could develop into an outstanding player in the WCHA, and his commitment is another positive sign for the future of Michigan Tech hockey.
Feature image and photo included in this article provided by Chris Fowler of Pure Life Photography.
Tim is a 2004 graduate of Michigan Tech. He is a co-founder of both Mitch’s Misfits and Tech Hockey Guide. With recent additions to the staff, Tim is again able to focus on his passion, recruiting. He currently works as an environmental engineer and resides in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area.
