By Mitch Bach

SEAC graduate setting sights on Junior A hockey in Manitoba

Aug 15, 2017 | 3:40 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — When you look at the results on the scoreboard, the SEAC Midget AAA Tigers didn’t have a whole lot to celebrate last season.

Their 8-20-6 record was complimented with the third fewest goals scored in the entire Alberta Midget Hockey League. The team itself is linking up with Lethbridge for the 2017-18 season, and will no longer call Medicine Hat home.

But although their play didn’t bring home a slew of gold medals, championship banners, or post-secondary scholarships, one goaltender is reaping the benefits of a busy six months in the blue-paint.

“There were lots of shots for sure,” said Logan Larock, who graduated from the SEAC program after posting an impressive .902 save percentage despite posting just three wins. “It’s a great league, good for development in that league. Playing there for the last two years has definitely helped my game.”

The Kelowna, BC product is shifting his sights to Junior A hockey in Manitoba. This fall, he’ll head to Swan Valley for training camp. If everything goes as planned, he’ll crack a roster spot with the Stampeders full-time.

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“It’ll take lot’s of hard work,” said Larock, noting he’s been training all summer for this opportunity. “I’ve just got to give it all I’ve got at camp.”

Larock is one of several goaltenders taking part in J.F. Martel’s World Pro Goaltending Camp happening at the Family Leisure Centre this week. He’s been working with Martel since he was eight years old and says his skillset in the crease has increased tremendously in that time.

“J.F.’s a great coach, a great guy on and off the ice,” he said. “He cares about his goaltenders and is just great to work with.”

Martel, who is also the goaltending coach for the Medicine Hat Tigers, says Larock has a terrific work ethic that’s helping him along the way.

“A guy like Logan is a great example,” said Martel. “He just kept working on his game, never made AAA until the last couple years, and now he’s going to go on and maybe play Junior A next year. Just the ability to keep working on your skills and keep getting stronger, keep polishing your game and it usually pays off.”

Now a year older, a few pounds heavier and a couple inches taller, Larock is bringing more to the Junior A level than he ever has before.

“You get bigger and stronger every year,” he said. “I think this is a good year.”