Defenseman Eric Walker has left Northern Michigan University in favour of the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, the club announced Saturday.

“It was a tough decision to leave Northern Michigan, but I realized at this point in my career the best place to be with regards to my development is the Western Hockey League,” Walker said in a release. “I’m thrilled to be returning to my home province and I can’t wait to get started.”

He will immediately join the Giants. The former six-foot-two, 200-pound was in his freshman season with Northern Michigan but did not suit up for a game.

Before going to college, Walker played with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL and attended a pair of spring camps with the Giants. He never participated in a training camp for Vancouver.

Walker would become the second defenseman to join the Giants after leaving a Michigan-based school. Kevin Connauton left Western Michigan after being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.