South Alberta Hockey Academy goaltenders Marek Andres (left) and Bodee Weiss (right) have been added to WHL protected lists (Photos courtesy of Scott Roblin)

By Scott Roblin

Talented Tandem

South Alberta Hockey Academy goalies Weiss, Andres listed by WHL clubs

Nov 19, 2020 | 6:08 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – From the days of Chris Osgood and Corey Hirsch to Matt Keetley and Garret Hughson, Medicine Hat has been known to pump out its fair share of talented goalies.

Now, two members of the South Alberta Hockey Academy are looking to add their names to that list after being listed by a pair of WHL clubs.

16-year-old Bodee Weiss has enjoyed a respectable start to his first season with the academy’s U18 boys team, posting a 2-1-0 record over his first four games with a 3.10 goals against average and a .898 save percentage.

However, he admits that he was caught a little off guard last week when the Portland Winterhawks came calling.

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“Their assistant GM gave me the call a few days ago and just let me know that they really like what they’re seeing, and to keep going at it,” said Weiss.

Weiss has been added to the Winterhawks’ protected list, which marks another major milestone in the Medicine Hat product’s hockey career.

“Just to be able to feel like I’ve made that next step in following into the WHL and making it to the next level is a really good feeling,” said Weiss.

Prior to Weiss’ return to Medicine Hat with the academy, he spent last year with the CSSHL’s Prairie Hockey Academy in Moose Jaw recording a .905 save percentage alongside a 7-10-0 record.

Of course, his background stretches back to his minor hockey days in Medicine Hat where he played for both the Medicine Hat U15 AA Hounds and SEAC U15 AAA Tigers.

That’s where U18 Boys prep team head coach Brayden Desjardins first stumbled on the young netminder.

“Obviously he got passed over in the Bantam Draft and stuff like that,” said Desjardins. “But, he knew where he wanted to go and he knew that if he stayed with his program and stayed the course that good things were going to happen for him. So, it’s not surprising for me to see him get the recognition he deserves.”

Fast forward just a few days however, and it was another reason to celebrate for the program with Weiss’ tandem teammate Marek Andres receiving a call of his own.

Andres is now Calgary Hitmen property, added to that team’s protected list on Wednesday.

“It was lots of smiles because my whole family knows how hard I worked for it,” said Andres who was surrounded by family when he found out. “So, yeah very proud.”

In three games with South Alberta Hockey Academy this year, the 17-year-old has posted a 0-3-0 record with a 3.70 goals against average and a .898 save percentage.

To see both of his U18 boys team goalies get listed within days of each other, it’s been an exciting few days for program general manager Darren MacMillan.

“To see the success of our Medicine Hat kids, two that have come up through our minor hockey system here succeed and get those accolades is great as well,” said MacMillan.

Separated by only a year, the pair have followed each other through Medicine Hat’s hockey system with Andres also being a former member of the SEAC Tigers organization.

Now, the pair gets to celebrate and lean on each other as teammates.

“Lots yeah, every game giving each other bumps, good jobs, telling each other to pick it up,” said Andres.

Although his listing came earlier, Weiss echoed those sentiments and is glad to be sharing in the celebration with his teammate in the crease.

“It’s great just to have my goalie partner getting the same recognition because he definitely deserves it and he works hard every day.”

For the Winterhawks and Hitmen, they’re hoping the pair turn into diamonds in the rough down the line.

“Even if you’re not drafted to the WHL, you can still have that opportunity to make it,” said Weiss. “It’s just been hard work ever since and always putting in the time and effort.”