Local College Sports

Union’s Foo says farewell to Schenectady, headed for NHL

SCHENECTADY — Union forward Spencer Foo has played his last game in a maroon sweater. The junior has elected to leave the college and most likely sign with a National Hockey League (NHL) club this summer, Union announced in a statement Wednesday evening.

“We wish Spencer all the best with his decision to turn pro after his junior year,” head coach Rick Bennett said. “He has been an excellent representative of Union Hockey on the ice and with his efforts in the classroom.  Our staff has been fortunate to work with many quality student-athletes and Spencer always gave a 100% in both school and hockey.  His body of work as a hockey player and commitment to the classroom represented his leadership qualities.”

The Edmonton, Alberta native had this parting message to the Union fans:

After much thought and consideration, I am happy to announce that I have decided to take the next step towards fulfilling my life long dream of playing in the NHL.

While I am ecstatic to make this announcement, I am also saddened that I will be leaving Union College.  This has been a very difficult decision for my family and I, but we believe it is the best decision for my hockey career.

During my time here, I have learned that the Union experience is the best in the NCAA. From the students, faculty and alumni, the coaches, trainers and athletic staff, I have learned so much from all of you and I thank each and every one of you for making Union the best place to play college hockey. I will be forever grateful for everything Union has done for me in my personal growth as a student-athlete.

Thank you to the Messa faithful, the best fans in college hockey. Playing in front of you has been a privilege and an honour. You motivate us every day to be the best we can be, and Union Hockey would not be the same without you.

Thank you to Coach Bennett for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to prove myself every night as a Dutchmen. Thank you to Coach Tapp, Coach Ronan and Coach Alvey for always putting player development first and for helping me and my teammates to become better players on the ice and better people off the ice.

Thank you to my teammates, to whom I will always be indebted. It is because of you that my time playing for Union has been the best and most rewarding experience of my life. We’ve been through a lot of good times and a few tough times, but looking back I wouldn’t change a thing. These were the best years of my life and without you guys, I would never have gotten to the position that I’m in today.  The impact you’ve had on me will be with me forever and I will always value the lifelong friendships I’ve made at Union.

Lastly, thank you to Mom, Dad, Uncle James, Brayden, Parker and my family. I am so grateful for all the support you have given me in achieving my goals and everything you have sacrificed for me over the last 22 years.  I would never have been able to chase my dreams if it wasn’t for your constant support, belief and love.

This has been the hardest decision of my life and I will greatly miss everyone at Union College who has supported me. Thank you all for your understanding, love and support as I embark on the next phase of my hockey career.

Foo leaves the program after 113 games and with 112 points (49 goals and 63 assists). This season, he was a candidate for ECAC Hockey Player of the Year after tying for the conference scoring title with 40 points and leading the league in assists (25), plus-minus (+20) and multi-point games (14) and was second in goals (15) and shorthanded goals (2).

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