Dalhousie University men’s hockey head coach Chris Donnelly is pleased to announce the commitment of Jacob Fancy and Josh Worthen to the Tigers for the 2016-17 season.

Jacob Fancy comes to the Tigers after four seasons with the Maritime Hockey League’s (MHL) Truro Junior A Bearcats, helping them to an Eastern Canadian championship title in 2012 and an MHL championship title in 2013. He was also a member of Nova Scotia’s 2011 Canada Games hockey team.

A 6’ goalie, Fancy posted a .931 save percentage and had a 2.40 goals against average in 39 games this past season. He also earned five shutouts, tying the MHL single season shutout record. Fancy was an MHL first team all-star and was named the league’s top goalie this year, in addition to earning top goaltending duo honours with teammate Luke Melanson.

“I’m very excited to be able to further my education and my hockey career with the Dalhousie Tigers,” says Fancy. “I look forward to the new challenges and experiences as well as reuniting with some former teammates and Chris Donnelly who was my 2011 Canada Games coach.”

A Lower Sackville, N.S. native, Fancy graduated with honours and distinction from Cobequid Educational Centre in 2013 and is currently enrolled in Dalhousie’s biology program on the Truro campus.

“Jacob’s work ethic is second to none,” says Donnelly. “With the type of season he just had, we see Jacob having some quality starts for us right away and continuing to develop into a guy who can play more significant minutes over the next four years.”

Joining Fancy is Bearcats teammate Josh Worthen. A 5’11 forward, Worthen played three seasons in the MHL. He played his first two years with the Valley Junior A Wildcats, averaging 31.5 points. This past season, he played his first 10 games with the Wildcats before moving to the Yarmouth Mariners where he collected nine points in 15 games. He landed with the Truro Bearcats for his final 25 games, earning 10 points on four goals and six assists.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Tigers for the upcoming hockey season,” says Worthen. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I will work hard to make an impact on the ice. It’s a great group of guys and I look forward to getting started in the fall.”

The Dartmouth, N.S. native graduated with high honours from Prince Andrew High School in 2013 and is currently pursuing a degree in chemistry.

“Josh is a highly intelligent forward that we see developing into a top notch defensive player and penalty killer,” says Donnelly. “He will also chip in offensively as he continues to grow as player. He is a success driven individual, which is exactly what we are looking for to continue to add our dressing room.”

“Having played in the competitive Maritime Junior A League and coming from the Bearcats organization, we know that both Josh and Jacob will be well prepared for the challenge of jumping into the tough AUS conference,” adds Donnelly.

The Tigers will be looking to build off their strong end to the 2015-16 campaign and make a strong push for the playoffs in 2016-17.