Liam McGarva, formerly of the La Ronge Ice Wolves, will continue his season at Concordia University in Wisconsin, which is an NCAA Division III program.
The 20-year-old Fort Saskatchewan, AB goaltender spent parts of two seasons in La Ronge and he was a finalist for the goalie of the year award in 2020.
McGarva posted a 23-10-5 record during the 2019-20 campaign with the Ice Wolves and he also had four shutouts. He recorded a .915 save percentage and 3.15 GAA last year.
“I wasn’t too familiar with this university before getting contacted by Bill (Horton), the head coach. I did my own research and I want to take education, physical education — and they have a pretty strong program here,” said McGarva.
“Concordia, they’re in a very tough conference against Adrian and a lot of upper-class Div. 3 teams, so I thought this was a pretty good, solid place to go.”
McGarva says the uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 SJHL season is why he is foregoing his final year of junior eligibility.
“That was pretty much one of the only reasons,” said McGarva. “I loved my time in La Ronge. I loved Killer (Kevin Kaminski) and all of the boys there. Sadly, it was just basically COVID-19 that drove me here (early).”
Prior to coming to La Ronge, McGarva played two seasons in the KIJHL with the Revelstoke Grizzlies. He won a KIJHL championship with Revelstoke in 2019 and posted a sparkling 1.69 GAA and .940 save percentage during the playoff run.
Meantime, Concordia kicks off its season this weekend versus Adrian College.
(PHOTO: Liam McGarva makes a save this season against Nipawin. Photo courtesy of Brandon White.)