Former Nelson Junior Leaf Dylan Walchuk has found a spot in the Western Hockey League.

Walchuk — who played with the Leafs during their championship season of 2008-09 — started the season in the NCAA with Northern Michigan University. The McBride native left the US school and returned to the Okanagan where he spent two championship years with the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers.

When word got out that the talented scorer was available, Spokane Chiefs’ head coach Don Nachbaur pursued Walchuk just before rosters were set in early January. Though he had a spot with Vernon, Walchuk chose the next level.

In 10 games with Spokane, Walchuk has shown he was worth the risk. The 19-year-old has scored five goals and added two assists in his short time down south.

As a KIJHL rookie in 2008-09, Walchuk amassed 65 points. He led then led the Leafs in playoff scoring as the team captured the KIJHL title and just missed winning a provincial title.