A Sicamous hockey player is going professional, signing with a team in the France based Hockey Elite league. Cain Franson is joining Les Gothiques d’Amiens, moving to France Aug. 1.
The 26 year old played (52 games for the Sicamous Eagles from 2008-10 before moving on to play) four seasons in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants, two Vancouver Canuck prospects camps, five seasons with the Calgary Dinos CIS League, two CIS All-Star selections and won a championship with the ECHL Allen Americans.
Cal Franson, Cain’s father, is thrilled for his son and his upsoming move. “I could not be prouder. It’s been quite a road for him. So, to see that happen for him I couldn’t be happier and prouder of him,” Cal said.
Cain played all his minor hockey in Sicamous and played one year in Salmon Arm for the AA midget rep team. Although slightly apprehensive, Cain is looking forward to the opportunity. “I’m a little nervous; it’s going to be a big change culturally I know that,” said Cain. “I’m trying to embrace it. Everyone I’ve talked to that has been over there says it’s a great league and it’s good hockey.”
Although the league has less travel time than some of his past teams, Franson’s decision to take up the contract with Amiens was not an easy one. “I didn’t quite know which direction to go; I had some offers from other parts of the world so it was a little bit of a toss up,” he said “I wanted to go to a winning team and I know Amiens had a lot of success and won the French Cup last year.”
