By Warren Henderson – Kelowna Capital News

With a high school diploma already under his belt, Spencer Main could have taken a year or two off from studying.

But as the Kelowna Rockets Scholastic Player of the Year two seasons in a row, the North Vancouver native saw no reason to put his education on hold.

Main is taking a business management class this semester at UBC Okanagan. Next semester, he’ll take a course in English.

“I just think if I take too much time off from school, it’ll be tough to get back into it,” said Main who had close to a 90 average in both Grades 11 and 12. “Rather than not do anything, I wanted to take courses that cover what I’m interested in. I have enough time to do it during the hockey season, it doesn’t interfere with games or practices, so it’s a good fit for me.”

Players in major junior hockey who enroll in post secondary classes while still playing are not as rare as they once were. Three other Rockets—Colton Jobke, Max Adolph and Antoine Corbin—are looking into the possibility of taking a class next semester, either at UBCO or Okanagan College.

As is the case with all WHL teams, the Rockets pay for their players’ educations—one year of tuition and books for each year of service in the league.

“You’re seeing more and more guys doing it these days,” said Rockets head coach Ryan Huska. “For one thing, the internet has made it easier…and the team pays for their education, so it’s a chance for them to chip away at a few classes while they’re still playing. It’s a head start for them for later in life if hockey doesn’t work out. It’s something we definitely encourage. It helps the guys keeps their minds sharp.”

As proficient as Main is in school, he insists success in the classroom hasn’t come simply as a result of natural smarts. Just like hockey, the 5-foot-11 190 pound forward said he has had to put in the time and effort.

“In school, you can’t just show up and do well. I did well because I worked hard and studied,” he said. “The same goes for hockey. I try to be one of the hardest working guys out there. I grew up being taught that things don’t get handed to you, you have to earn them. I try my best to do that in hockey, too.”

According to Ryan Huska, Main’s demeanor, his work ethic in school, and his overall intelligence have translated well onto the ice.

“He’s a good person, he works very hard, and he’s intelligent, so he does understands the game well,” Huska said. “We’re trying to fill the role of a two-way centreman and Spencer has all the tools to do that. He’s improving all areas of his game and that has a lot to do with how hard he works.”

And while Main remains committed to upgrading his education as he continues to play, the 18-year-old forward makes it clear that hockey is his ultimate career ambition. He just plans to be prepared in the event it doesn’t work out that way.

“Hockey is definitely my first choice, it’s what I love to do and I want to go as far as I can with it,” he said. “I want to do it for a living for a long time but, if not, I want to make sure I have a back-up plan. I’m focused on hockey, but I know I need an education, too.”

Rocket Shots…The Rockets will hit the road for a doubleheader this weekend in Portland against the Winterhawks…Kelowna’s next home action is Tuesday, Nov. 2 vs Prince George. D Mitchell Chapman will be eligible to return the same night after serving a six-game suspension for a kneeing major Oct. 16 vs Chilliwack.