A pair of former Blenheim Blades will be heading across the Atlantic Ocean to play pro hockey in Sweden in the fall.
Kier Cumming and Brayden Hopkins, who were both key members of the Jr. C hockey team last season, are going to play for the Arvika Hockey Club in a men's professional hockey league.
Cumming led the Blades in scoring last season with 55 points in 37 games while Hopkins, who captained the team in his final season of Junior eligibility, put up 40 points in 33 games.
“For Kier this is a dream come true, and while it is hard to lose him, he has our blessing,” said Kier's dad, Bill Cumming, who is also the head coach of the Blades. "[Hopkins] is also extremely excited about the opportunity to play in Sweden and we wish them both the best of luck."
According to Bill Cumming, the opportunity developed out of a relationship the boys formed with Carl Stapleton, an ex-Chatham Maroon and grandson of retired NHLer Pat Stapleton.