Langley Rivermen defenceman Richard Coyne is taking off to the Great White North next season.

Coyne, 20, will be joining the NCAA ranks after committing to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the 2012/13 season.

Since joining the Rivermen franchise in mid November from the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, Coyne has been an anchor on the blueline for the Rivermen, according to the team's defence coach Bobby Henderson.

Henderson was not surprise that Coyne has furthered his hockey career.

"We are very excited for him and believe Alaska Fairbanks will be a great opportunity," Henderson said. "He has worked extremely hard since being here with us and really deserves this."

A native of Arizona, Coyne has put up six assists in 16 games in his time in a Rivermen uniform, while providing veteran leadership on a young squad.

Coyne did not have to go very far to ask questions about his new university as Rivermen offensive coach Jordan Emmerson spent four years at Alaska Fairbanks.

The Rivermen now have five players on their roster who have commitments to either a college or university.

The Rivermen were in action last night (Jan.

25) at home against the Nanaimo Clippers. Results were not available at press time Wednesday afternoon.

The team continues its season-high six-game home stand Saturday, when it hosts the Victoria Grizzlies. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Langley Events Centre.