By dictionary definition, the word spartan means strict, disciplined, severe or rigorous.

In Ancient Greece, the Spartans were a group of people who resided in and protected the state of Sparta, thought by many to exude the same characteristics as described above.

But as of last week, Yukoners can now sum up the definition of a Spartan in just two words: Adam Henderson.

The big, talented left-winger, who hails from Whitehorse, has commited to attend and play hockey for Michigan State University beginning in the 2008-2009 season.

At 17 years old, Henderson, who currently plays for the Spruce Grove Saints in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), was offered a full, four-year scholarship at Michigan State, one of the top NCAA Division I hockey schools in the United States.

That's a monetary value of approximately $100,000, never mind the academic and hockey opportunities that will be at Henderson's fingertips.

'There were certainly a few options for Adam and all of those options would have been good,' said Saints head coach and general manager Steve Hamilton, in an interview from Spruce Grove. 'But Michigan State is a premier school and an extremely exciting opportunity, and I think he'll do very well there.'

Henderson was also offered a full scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage, where fellow Yukoner Jared Tuton plays (see story below).

He admitted the thought of playing closer to home was enticing, but after visiting both campuses last month and spending a couple of weeks considering his future, he phoned Michigan State and made his decision official on Jan. 27.

'I sort of fell in love with Michigan State when I saw it, so I couldn't pass it up,' explained Henderson.

Asked what it was he fell in love with, he was quick to answer.

'Everything. Just the hockey and how much they love their sports there. And the academic system they have at Michigan State was unreal, I thought.'

As a member of the Spartans, Henderson will also likely get the chance to play a game or two in Joe Louis Arena, home to the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.

Michigan State belongs to the 12-team Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), which holds its championship tournament at the Joe every March.

The Spartans won the CCHA championship last season.

Henderson was able to meet with head coach Rick Comley, as well as assistants Tom Newton and Brian Renfrew while on his campus tour. Comley is in his fifth year as Spartans' coach while Newton has been with the program for 17 years. Renfrew, who is actually from Fairbanks, has been at the school for four years.

'Coach Comley has 710 wins in his coaching career. He's in the top 10 in NCAA college coaching. The other guys are great coaches too, just great guys. I feel they would really help me down the road.'

Released from the Kelowna Rockets' (WHL) 50-man protected list earlier this season, after attending their camp last summer, it became clear to Henderson and his family that he wasn't part of the Rockets' immediate plans.

Strong academically as well, he had already been thinking about going the college route and the move by Kelowna seemed to solidify his desired direction even more.

Henderson first got the call from the Spartans scouting staff last October, telling him they would be coming to watch the Saints play.

They were actually making the trip mainly to look at one of his linemates, but liked what they saw from the Yukoner in terms of work ethic and hockey sense, as well as his size.

Through 50 games so far this season with the Saints, Henderson has racked up 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points, which puts him second in team scoring. He's also the fourth-highest scoring rookie in the entire AJHL. He recently competed in the 2007 AJHL Prospects Game in Canmore, Alta.

Prior to his time in Spruce Grove, Henderson played two seasons for the AAA midget NEBC Flyers in Fort St. John he was named the league's top forward in 2005.

Hamilton said the young athlete has made a seamless transition to the AJHL from midget and the coach is proud of his accomplishments so far.

'Adam has come such a long way in the short period of time since we've had him in Spruce Grove. He has become a very well rounded player that we rely upon in all situations. The Spartans have landed an excellent, young player with a very bright hockey future.'

While the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, all part of the Canadian Hockey League, are considered by many to be the best talent pool when it comes to scouting for professional hockey teams, U.S. college and university hockey players have certainly made their presence felt in recent years around the NHL, as well as the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League.

Hamilton said the best route is different for each player, and he believes the Spartans are a better fit for Henderson than than major junior (CHL) would be.

'As far as I'm concerned, this is just the start of his career. What this gives him is the benefit of time. Now he's got five more years to develop before he turns pro. He's going to be a much better player at 22 than at 18.'

Henderson will spend one more season with the Saints after this one, honing his skills and preparing to take his next big jump. It's common for U.S. scholarship recipients to do that, he said.

We have three guys on our team that have scholarships to NCAA schools and they're doing the same thing. They got their scholarships at 17 or 18 years old and they're going off to school next year.'

With the departure of a few 20-year-olds from the Saints next season, Henderson said he's looking forward to more of a leadership role on the team, and hopefully to winning a championship. This season has been a bit of a rollercoaster.

'We've had a lot of ups and downs. January was a tough month for us as a whole team, but we're doing good now. We're on a two-game winning streak, so I think we've turned the corner. Hopefully we can get hot toward the end of the month.'

Henderson acknowledged he was in a bit of a slump personally last month. With two university campus visits which included long plane rides and some tough decisions weighing on his mind, the youngster wasn't getting much sleep.

Hamilton said he did notice Henderson was somewhat distracted, but added its completely normal for young players in his position to get overwhelmed.

'He wasn't playing terrible by any means, but he just wasn't as sharp as he used to be. I think committing to Michigan State has relieved a lot of the burden placed on him. He just seems to be playing lighter.'

'There's definitely been a lot of ups and downs and hard decision-making,' Henderson summed up. 'I had a lot of input from old coaches, friends and teammates. Everyone's been so supportive.

'I figured that Michigan State was probably the best way to go.'