By Scott Roblin

City’s young stars showcasing talent at minor hockey evaluations

Sep 24, 2018 | 6:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Rinks around the city have been jam packed over the last number of weekends, as minor hockey players from Medicine Hat and the surrounding areas make their first impressions.

Evaluations for hundreds of players are beginning to wrap up with teams setting their rosters and getting a look at their talent pool for future years.

One of those teams was Medicine Hat’s Bantam CAHL squad, who held their annual Black vs. Orange scrimmage game on Saturday morning.

Forward Brennin Wereley found the back of the net and is jumping up a level after plying his trade in the pee wee ranks last year.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

The 13-year-old said he’s excited for the new competition, but has to be aware that hitting is now a major part of the game.

“Really just have your head up and being aware of the people around you,” said Wereley. “Where the puck [is], passing it faster, because if you’re just standing there you’re going to get hit.”

A number of Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Association brass were at the Hockey Hounds Recreation Centre to take part in the evaluation process, including general manager Kris Schultz.

Weeding through over 160 kids over the last two weeks, Schultz said the scrimmages present a rare opportunity for the players to show off their skills at full speed.

“You collect a like-skilled group of kids in an environment where you hope to see certain ones step up,” said Schultz. “Sometimes you see kids that maybe don’t step up and are a little out of their element in that scenario. So, it’s shows you a lot.”

Medicine Hat Minor Hockey is offering 15 divisions for players to join this year, including the female Wildcats program for players between the ages of four and 12.

Schultz said the evaluation period is one of the more stressful chunks of the hockey calendar, but added it’s worth it once the kids take to the ice.

“The best part of it is now these kids are out there doing what they love to do,” said Schultz. “That’s representing our city with pride, playing hard, and just having fun playing the game that we love.”

Nearing the end of the evaluation period, Bantam City and Midget CAHL evaluations will be held this week at rinks across Medicine Hat.