Trevor Cope, enjoying a solid rookie season with the Langley Rivermen, will have a different hockey home starting in 2014.

And the Michigan native won't have to travel far to get there.

That's because the 18-year-old right winger will be heading to Michigan Tech on a scholarship.

In his first taste of B.C. Hockey League action, Cope has five goals and five assists in 16 games.

"As an organization we are very excited for Trevor. [They had him fly down] and he really liked what he saw on his visit, and I know Michigan Tech had him on their radar right from the get go," Rivermen associate head coach Jordan Emmerson said. "We also get him back for next year as well, which is a bonus for us."

The Michigan Tech Huskies is a Div. 1 program that plays out of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). The Huskies have won the NCAA title four times in their history and have appeared in the prestigious Frozen Four tournament 10 times.

"They are a program that is only getting better, and they are led by a good coaching staff in Mel Pearson and Bill Muckalt [who played in the BCHL and then for the Vancouver Canucks]," Emmerson remarked.

"Pearson was even nominated for coach of the year a season ago as they really improved on their record from the previous year. They are bringing in key pieces year in and year out, and they are on the right track of becoming a perennial contender for years to come."

Cope has impressed the coaching staff since day one of training camp and has done everything asked of him so far, according to the Rivermen.

Emmerson was quick to point out what makes Cope a good player.

"He has great vision and is very smart out there," Emmerson said. "We can throw him out in any situation and he will get the job done. He is also a great kid and teammate, and has been a pleasure to have around."

This is the fifth commitment in a month's span for the squad and the eighth overall. The 'Men's coaching staff believes the commitments are not done just yet.

"The goal is for everybody to get scholarships," Emmerson said. "It is something that every player out on that ice strives for in this league, and right now we have eight and we believe that number will just continue to grow."

The Rivermen own an 8-7-0-3 record after an overtime loss to Surrey and a win over Prince George, both at home, this past weekend.

After playing the Chiefs in Chilliwack on Wednesday, the Rivermen return to Langley Events Centre ice this Saturday (Nov.

10) when they play host to the Coquitlam Express. Opening faceoff is 7: 15 p.m.

Tickets are available at www. ticketmaster.ca, by calling 604-8828800, or at the door on game night.