recruiting - Strathmore Wheatland Kings

STRATHMORE WHEATLAND KINGS JUNIOR HOCKEY
2016-2017
RECRUITING
GUIDE
www.wheatlandkings.com
Building Traditions and Setting
New Standards
www.wheatlandkings.com
Our Program
The Strathmore Wheatland Kings organization prides ourselves on offering players a first-class Junior B hockey
experience. Our organization provides a wide range of resources that we believe are above and beyond what many other
Junior B programs offer. Playing junior in Strathmore is an experience unlike any other in the Heritage Junior Hockey
League. Kings’ fans have earned a reputation for being loyal and passionate. The Strathmore Twin Arena has become
both the most feared arena for opponents to play in while being the most fun and exhilarating for the home team. Our
Coaches, Organization and Community place a high value on character, commitment, and accountability, while we all
work together towards our collective goal of capturing the HJHL Arnusch Championship trophy.
Below is a summary of the first-class benefits and development opportunities that players are offered from the
Strathmore Wheatland Kings Hockey Club:
• Professional Coaching and on-ice/ off-ice training
• Quality hockey
• Set practice ice times, which will help the athlete
organize their study and or work schedule.
• Equipment manager as well as a Certified Trainer.
• Quality brand name, including helmet/visor,
gloves and pant shells.
• Value, lower fees compared to other
Junior B leagues.
• Home Ice Advantage of 300 to 500 fans per game;
Players play in front of a spirited fan base.
• Community Involvement - Players will help at youth
practices, participate in the annual Heritage Day Parade,
as well as other community minded initiatives.
• Paid meals and hotel accommodations while traveling
with the Kings on the road.
• Discounts on: gym membership, hair cuts, and movie
rentals by local businesses for our players from
August through the end of the season
(As available by sponsors).
• Nutrition/supplies during practices and games, including
snacks, fruit, granola bars, Gatorade, tape, wax, laces.
• Free skate sharpening services, as required.
• Scholarship opportunities for student athletes:
see page 6
• Team building and Life Experiences, such as the
Parade Day, Season Kick-off Golf Tournament,
and other events, as available.
• Team Jersey Presentation upon retirement as a
21 year old (As jersey availability).
• Opportunity to play at higher levels: Strathmore is
strategically located within an hour and a half of the
following AJHL teams: Brooks Bandits, Drumheller
Dragons, Okotoks Oilers, Calgary Canucks, Calgary
Mustangs, and Olds Grizzlies. The Kings will work with
players to advance further their hockey careers. We will
work diligently to help prepare and promote them to the
next level.
• In depth local newspaper coverage.
The Pride of Being a Strathmore Wheatland King!
SPORTS
February 19, 2016 • Strathmore TIMES • Page 21
www.wheatlandkings.com
r of the month
icals Bisons General Manager
nsen The
(l) presented
Gary Haden
Wheatland Kings won 4-3 over the Banff Bears at the Strathmore Family Centre on Feb. 12. With the win the Kings will face
ch and
gift certificate
after
the Cochrane
Generals
in thehe
second round.
Doug Taylor Photos
d Chrysler Division player of the Quaid McBean (l-r), Gary Haden, CFR Chemicals President & CEO Brian McKay,
The CFR
Trinity Chemicals
Christian Academy Tigers played hard against their rivals, the
Crowther Memorial
Junior High School Cougars, but lost 47-29 at Trinity
November by the Alberta Midget Operations Manager Jeff Gellately, Kyle Gordon and Cameron Shorrock during a presentation
to CFR
The Wheatland Kings put up a valiant 60-minute efChristian
Academy
on Feb. 11.
eague. The presentation took Chemicals in recognition of their primary sponsorship of the CFR Bisons. The presentation was made
Justin Seward Photos
fort en route to shutting out the High River Flyers
an. 3 at the Strathmore Family before the Bisons feature game at the Mac’s tournament on Dec. 27 at the Max Bell Arena in Calgary.
5-0 at the Strathmore Family Centre on Jan 2.
Cross town battle
Sponsorship recognition
Kings sweep Banff;
battle Cochrane in Round 2
Doug Taylor Photo
JUSTIN SEWARD
Times Reporter
For the second consecutive
year the Wheatland Kings are
moving on to the second round
of the playoffs after beating the
Banff Bears 4-3 at the Strathmore Family Centre on Feb.
12, sweeping the series 2-0 and
earning themselves a date with
the number one-ranked Cochrane Generals.
The first period saw Banff execute as they got out to a 2-0 lead,
while the second period was a
back and forth affair, before
the Kings were able find their
groove in the third period.
Kings head Coach Emilio Fuoco said he credited his team for
using their speed and intensity
effectively against a Banff team
who didn’t quit.
“We knew after the last game
we played them, we peppered
them with shots,” said Fuoco.
“Once we got our speed going
through the neutral zone, they
couldn’t keep up with it. That’s
what the difference was, get
speed through the neutral zone,
put some pucks to the net and
go for the rebounds.”
Fuoco said for the boys to
come back on Banff was nothing new for the team as they had
done it a few times throughout
the course of the season.
“This is just a little bit of a
warm up for us of knowing what
it feels like,” said Fuoco. “It feels
good. Now the real stuff starts.”
Brooker Pretty Youngman
broke the tie at the 4:47 mark of
the third to propel his team to
the second round.
“I loved the feeling of the
hearing the crowd go nuts,” said
Pretty Youngman. “(Tyler) Rivest
went down low, I knew he was
going to cycle, so I followed and
there was only one defenseman
in front of the net and I had seen
Doug Taylor Photo
an opening.”
Zachary Meadows, Chris Williams and Kristian Ayoungman
notched the other goals in the
win.
In the 7-5 Game 1 win on Feb.
10, both teams were tied after
one before the Kings were able
to open it up, outscoring the
Bears 5-2 in the middle frame.
They picked up where they left
off after the second intermission,
adding one early in the third period before letting Banff score
two more, but that’s as close as
it got.
In their first game of 2016,
Pretty Youngman and Jacen
the CFR Chemicals Bisons
Bracko led the way with worked
two
their way to a 5-0
goals apiece while Blake Bishop,
win over the Knights of
Jayden Smith and Cole BusslingColumbus Pats on Jan 3
er supplied one goal each.
at the Strathmore Family
Second round’s Game 1 hapCentre.
pened on Feb. 16 in Cochrane,
while the Kings will host Game Doug Taylor Photos
2 on Feb. 19 at 8 p.m., Game 4
on Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. and if necessary Game 6 on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m.
Doug Taylor Photo
Kings clip Flyers
Bolts
strike Ice
JUSTIN SEWARD
Times Reporter
The Strathmore Icicles U10 team gave
The Wheatlandit Kings
came out guns
all they had, but
blazing on Jan. 2lostand
on the
6-1 itto showed
the InLightning
at the win over
scoreboard with dus
a 5-0
shutout
Strathmore Family
the High River Flyers,
distancing themCentre on Feb. 14.
selves from the visitors in the standings.
Justin Seward Photo
“We got ourselves pretty fired up before
the game,” said local product Lucas Jones,
who had a two-goal outing. “I think it was
a good way to start the momentum especially being short guys. A lot of guys
came in and played bigger roles, especially forwards playing defense. It was just
big to get that first win of the year.”
He feels pretty lucky to be playing with
line mates Jacen Bracko and Chris Williams as they have been able to work well
together, and gives them the credit for
helping with his performance on the ice.
ing, every bit counts.”
tournament.
SEWARD
“We’ve had a lot of fun playing with
He added it was nice to have a game
“To start with a win and on the right
porter
each other,” said Jones. “We’ve worked
Strathmore
Storm
atom tier 1 team was edged 5-4 by Canmore at the
JUSTIN SEWARD
better as
he team
wouldcan
go on
to play three
something
I’llThe
never
You go
like this where
the
increase
foot was “It’s
really
important
for forget.
us,” said
off each other good. They (the goals)
Strathmore
11. With the defeat the Storm were elimiTimes Reporter
to school with them,
you go Family
to theCentre
rink, on Feb.
seasonsand
withreward
the Kings
and one with Attwood.
the
goaltender
R Bisons
looked like a reju- the goal totals
nated from a provincial spot. were pretty much similar. We had a couand
you
hang
with
them
on
weekends.
Three
Hills
Thrashers.
Justin Seward Photo
“I really liked where we started in
bunch to start 2016 as they Ryan Simpson with a shutout.
ple of guys working hard. Blake (Bishop)
The local Wheatland Kings trio of
“I was actually quite surprised I made
It’s something you make good life skills
“It
was
reassuring
for
us,”
said
Trenour
defensive
end.
We
had
really
good
e toBlake
cruise
to
a
5-0
win
over
worked
hard
to
get the first one, I was
Bishop, Chris Williams and Lucas
the team that year but I just gave it my
with.”
tham.
getting
from
allhave
of our
players
hts of
Columbus
Patsaon
Jan. that
He added
they
had their
heated fortunate to be in the right spot at the
Jones
has developed
friendship
has “We
all,”were
recalled
Williams.pretty lazy support there
during
weget
knew
it, we
and that
allowed
enter
ntain
the stronger
third spot
in grown
the up
become
having
play- the Mac’s,
“I didn’t
a whole
lotwere
of ice time
battles
on theus
icetobut
in thethe
endneuthey’re right time.”
ing hockey together in Strathmore.tired. We my
firsta year
but when
went
to Three
justand
like family.
took
couple
days Ioff
and
tral zone
into their end and set up
vision.
He added that their defensive play was
Standard School defeated Strathmore High School in the last end durUpon
of minor hockey, strong and no one did more than they
wasn’t until had
the midget
3 level
Hills,
kindNow
of
up we’re
how at
good
of chances.”
boys rested
up.
I think
ing itcounties
to brought
earn
a zones
berth
thesome
Strathmore
Curling completion
Club on
d BrettIt Trentham
a two-Tier the
that the three of them played together,
a hockey
player
I could
be. secIn the next
Jones
fledled
to the
International
Feb.a11.
good
push
in the
Tyler
Petrie
theKootenay
attack with
two
Justin
Seward
Photos
me and
thought it was nice to going to have
had to and did a good job.
year, returning to Strathmore, every year
Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) for a year,
where they captured a banner together.
ond
half.”
goals,
while
Trentham,
Liam
Izyk
and
offense,
considering
he
was
Williams notched two goals, while
got better and better.”
but said it was nice to come back and cap
When Williams moved from Calgary
He thought
most that
effective
Hanas
scored
the with
win.people he Booker Pretty Youngman scored one goal
of December
an injury.
off
his career
at in
home
to Strathmorewith
in 2006,
he felt it improved
He the
mentioned
playingpart
in frontKaden
of
of theto team’s
gamefaithful
was that
theythe
were
The grew
Bisons
will be in tough this
awesome,”
said
up with.
his game, and
he Trentham.
has had the chance
the Kings’
has been
best expeto round out the offense behind Jones.
pate next year.
JUSTIN SEWARD
withmates
his teammates and closemoving
friends their
rience as
a player.
good,”
feet
and moving the weekend“It’s
asbeen
theyreally
face
thesaid
topJones.
two
newplay
line
The Kings will be in Banff on Jan. 8
The Spartans felt they were prepared for this
Times
Reportertoday and I
just South
wanted Division
to be a part
some- (8:30 p.m.) before hosting Okotoks on
As for
Bishop, he began by playing
pace.
teamsNovember,
in“Ithe
onofthe
we every
had ayear
lotsince.
of chemistry. I puck at a good
match, having practiced since
and it
“It’s pretty special and getting to finish
goaltender
for
four
years
but
switched
thing
that’s
starting
up
again
and
hopeBisons
assistant coach
Dave
road
ininRed
Deer on Jan. 8 (8 p.m.)
ng set The
up so I could’ve
had a zone
was tough
to Attwood
lose on the last
rock
the end.
Jan. 9 (8 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family
two consecutive
appearances
here is reign
prettyofspecial
as well,” said
Wilto defenseman in his first year of bantam
fully successful for a lot of years to come.
“They
played to
a good
called
good
thought
wasisreally
important
get game
and and
the
Mac’sa tournament
champion
for
the Strathmore
curlingitteam
ore.liams.
It was
good teamSpartans
effort. boys
because
he had a temper and felt it was
It’s awesome to play with those guys and Centre.
game,”
said Spartans
Coach
MichelleFlames
Ladene.Jan. 10 (11:15 a.m.).
over
after
were
defeated
6-5
in
the final
endto take
a closer
good
start
a itmediocre
Mac’s
Calgary
was going,
thethey
boys
were
go-were
“I found
my
friendships
easierafter
out on physical
play than
I couldn’t think
of anyone else I’d rather
sons shutout Pats
A bond built through hockey
So close!
Standard ousts SHS from zone berth
“It’s disappointing but they tried their best.
by Standard School during County playdowns
at
and the way of hockey was a little better,
taking it out on the posts.
step on the ice with at the end of the day.
I think they read the ice pretty well and being
the Strathmore Curling Club on Feb. 11.
going from town to town versus playing
“It was
tough. I got put on my butt a
I’ve played with Willy since bantam and
Next
Home
Game
It came down to Standard’s last rock, where able to call the right shot. I think our skip Jared
community to community. I think it was a
lot,” said Bishop.
Blake since midget. It’s a different kind
Grade 11 student Will Kathol played an angle (Aschenbrenner) did a very good job at that. It’s
little more heart and value there.”
“I did learn how to play. I always wantof friendship playing with the guys you
raise to draw the stone back in behind Strath- just unfortunate they didn’t get the shots and he
Williams played midget-A in his last
ed to be a forward but I was too defenplay hockey with. They’re kind of like
called the shots I would’ve done and they made a
more’s guards, needing a measurement to win.
sive. I just worked on my defensive end
year of minor hockey and came into
your brothers.”
8:00 pm vs Red Deer Optimist Chiefs
“To watch him call a shot 8:00
and make
it that beautiful shot to win.”
pm
Kings camp as a hopeful wanting to
and it worked for the best.”
He plans to attend SAIT for Power EnIt may be the end of the short season for the
tight and be within a minor difference was fun
continue the game. It turned
out
for
the
“It
was
awesome,”
said
Bishop.
gineering
next
fall.
Strathmore
Family
Centre
- Gold
boys
team, Arena
but the girls and mixed categories are
to watch,” said Standard
School Coach
Cam Holoff to zones, and Ladene is confident in what both
loway.
5:15 pm vs Calgary Northstars
“We haven’t had a lot of chances to play games teams can do to build off of last year’s zones.
Saturday,
Jan
2
“I think our mixed team is strong,” said Ladene.
Strathmore Family Centre
so GAME
their experience is lower. The way they adjustOF THE
“Cole Burton, the skip, has done a lot of juniors
ed to a missed shot and went with Plan B as much
they could. The skip played some nice shots go- and competitive curling. Layne Wilson, she’s a really good curler, the whole mixed team should be
ing into the end.”
Holloway mentioned that with this win they can good curlers. The girls team is almost exactly as
we had last year. We learned a lot and really came
still grind it out and come out with a win.
thmosre
Time
Saturday, January 9
vs Okotoks
NEXT HOME GAMES
Friday, January 15
Saturday, January 16
Tyler van Vliet
www.wheatlandkings.com
Come Cheer on Your Strathmore Wheatland Kings!
more
StraTthim
es
Tyler
Petrie
JAN 3 VS
KNIGHTS OF
COLUMBUS PATS
Come Watch Some Great Hockey!
PLAYER OF
THE GAME
www.wheatlandkings.com
Heritage Junior Hockey League
The Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) is a Junior “B” hockey league in Alberta, Canada, sanctioned by Hockey
Alberta and Hockey Canada. The HJHL was founded in 1987 and is made up of teams from southern and central Alberta
and, currently, is the largest Junior B league in the province of Alberta. The HJHL has a long history of providing quality
hockey and has helped to develop and prepare players for advancement to higher levels such as Jr.A, WHL, ACAC,
CIS and the NCAA.
Kevin O’Keefe Scholarship
The Strathmore Wheatland Kings are proud
to offer this annual scholarship in honour of Mr.
Kevin O’Keefe who was the father the Wheat
Kings first ever captain and was the captain for
three seasons. Kevin fought a courageous battle
against Lou Gehrig’s disease before tragically
succumbing to the disease in August 2010. The
scholarship honours
Kevin’s zest for life, dedication to family and
friends and his unrelenting spirit throughout his
courageous battle.
The awarding of the scholarships will be
based on criteria identified by Kevin which
include financial need, integrity, determination
and a positive team attitude. This scholarship is
available to current Strathmore Wheatland Kings
players enrolled in a post-secondary education
program, continuing education program or
apprenticeship program.
One scholarship, valued at $500, is awarded
at the closing of each season based on a written
request submitted by a player. It consists of a
$500 cheque to be used towards educational
expenses.
Schooling, travel, or accommodations. The
successful individuals shall be chosen in part by
the coaching staff along with Kevin’s family and
is to be awarded at the end of each season.
The successful applicants will be recognized
and presented the scholarship by a member
of the O’Keefe family at this home game
sponsored by Animal Care Centre of Strathmore.
The Town of Strathmore
Strathmore is a rural community of approximately 12,300 people located on
the TransCanada highway just 40 km east of the City of Calgary, 52 km from
the Calgary International Airport, and near the picturesque Bow River.
Originally a farming community along the Canadian Pacific Railway, now all
the amenities of a larger city can be found in the Town of Strathmore: from
well known restaurants to the Joyland Movie Theatre.
The Town has a full range of recreational and competitive sports activities
to develop and maintain an active lifestyle for players. Along with the twin ice
arena, home to the Wheatland Kings, there is an indoor aquatic centre, four
sheet curling rink, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, 18-hole
golf course, bike paths and parks.
Strathmore also hosts its own Stampede in early August, this year from
August 1st - 4th, which boasts a very exciting event, Canada’s only ‘Running
of the Bulls’.
Strathmore is home to a number of other elite hockey programs, PeeWee
AA, Bantam AA, Midget AA and Midget AAA.
Above all, Strathmore loves their Kings and shows great support with 400+
fans attending home games.
Thank You to our Major Sponsors
STRATHMORE
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
TIMES
Mark Bishop 403-863-9947
[email protected]
www.wheatlandkings.com
www.wheatlandkings.com
INVITE to the 2016 Strathmore Wheatland Kings
2016 Kings Fall Camp
The Strathmore Wheatland Kings, a proud member of the Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL), would like to
congratulate you on your past season!
The Kings’ Staff have identified you as a player with the necessary commitment, ability, and
character and would like to extend to you an INVITATION to our Fall
Camp being held
August 26-28, 2016, in Strathmore, AB
at the Strathmore Twin Arena, located at 160 Brent Blvd, Strathmore, AB T1P 1E9.
Players please register online at: www.wheatlandkings.com
and click on the “2016 Kings Fall Camp” link at the centre of the page.
The camp is open to all players born between 1996 and 2001. It will include a practice
session, dryland training as well as three games and an exit interview with the Kings
coaches. The cost of the camp is $125 for skaters and goaltenders.
“This year’s new local coaching staff is excited about the season and looking forward
to this development camp which will help us identify future Kings as well as prepare
players for this season” says Kings Head Coach Shadoe Stoodley.
The Kings returned two years ago to the HJHL after a year sabbatical and enjoyed
a playoff run that saw them lose game 7 in the second round to the eventual HJHL
champions. Building off the success of our team, the Kings have seen two players
earn commitments to colleges, as well as another making the jump to Junior A in
past seasons.
We are looking for players with ability,
character and ambition to continue
building our program into one of the
premier Junior B destinations
in all of Western Canada.
Kings camps have sold out year
after year please register
early to avoid disappointment.
For any further information
please contact:
Shadoe Stoodley - Head Coach,
[email protected]
or
Darcy Busslinger
- Team Manager,
[email protected]