An instrumental player in the Kootenay Ice’s run to the Memorial Cup in 2011 is the latest recruit to the UBC men’s hockey program.

Winger Joe Antilla has committed to playing for the Thunderbirds in 2012-13.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun playing for a new team, a new coach and in new systems,” said Antilla.  “I feel I can bring new energy, a hard work ethic and championship-calibre play to UBC.  It’ll be cool to see how our team does and where we go with it all.”

The 6’2, 220 lb. forward just completed his fifth season with the Western Hockey League’s Ice.

In 340 regular season games with the Cranbrook-based team, Antilla recorded 56 goals and 84 assists for a total of 140 points.

During the 2011 playoffs, he scored nine goals, eight assists and 17 points in 19 games, helping Kootenay to the WHL championship and an appearance at the Memorial Cup tournament.

Antilla notched three points in five games for the Ice at the Memorial Cup.

In September 2011, he also attended the training camp of the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks.

Not only will attending UBC allow Antilla to gain a world-class education, it will also bring him closer to his family on the Sunshine Coast.

“It will be good to have my parents and family members come to the games and check it all out,” said Antilla.