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It was at the age of four or five that Ty Plaisier got his start in hockey in Virden.

Now, about a decade and a half later, the son of Shawn and Debra Plaisier is still enjoying life on the ice in his hometown. The 20-year-old is a stalwart defenceman for the Virden Oil Capitals. This season, he became the first hometown captain of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League team.

When asked what it means to play for and captain the Virden team, Plaisier said, “It’s an unreal feeling. I’m super confident in the group we have this year, and I’m pumped to help lead us to a championship.”

For the Oil Capitals, the hometown product is the right man to lead. The blueliner is in his fourth junior season. Through four games this season, Plaisier was second on the team in points with three. He had a goal and two assists.

“Ty is a competitor,” Virden head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “He thrives on competing against the best players, and his work ethic and determination are second to none. He is a leader on and off the ice. He is one of the best defenders in the league and likely the league's best shotblocker. He is in great shape, so he can log big minutes and he is extremely hard to play against.”

With his defensive ability and shotblocking, the 6-foot-1, 201-pound Plaisier helps make things a little easier for goalies. Eric Reid, a former hometown Oil Capitals netminder, indicated Plaisier’s attitude also makes him a big asset.

“The thing I enjoy about being on the ice/at the rink with Ty is how he comes to the rink each day with a good attitude and ready to work,” Reid wrote in a text. “He’s always been a natural leader, pushing himself as well as others to do what it takes to win. He’s one of those guys that makes coming to the rink every day enjoyable.”

Plaisier’s love of hockey developed in his hometown. With a two-year age gap, Reid

and Plaisier were not on the same team for a full season until the defenceman’s first U18 AAA campaign with the Southwest Cougars. However, Plaisier was called up to play on some of the minor hockey teams Reid was on. As well, Reid said the two hockey fanatics often saw each other around the rink. Plaisier has fond memories of his minor hockey days.

“Virden Minor Hockey was a great time,” he said. “Some of my favourite memories are hockey tournaments as a little kid and team parties after winning.”

After his time with the regional Cougars U18 AAA team, Plaisier split his first two seasons between the Oil Capitals and the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats. With the Saskatchewan squad, his teammates included current Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard, as well as other future professionals. In 2023–2024, he helped the team make it to the MJHL semifinals. Last season he was a key player and leader on a young squad. Plaisier has enjoyed various aspects of junior hockey.

“I love the competitive aspect of junior hockey,” he said. “Everyone at this level wants to win, and the energy is always exciting. I also love being around the guys every day, getting to hang out with 25 friends every single day is a really fun time.”

In the future, Plaisier hopes to keep playing hockey while pursuing a post-secondary education. He is interested in studying education or finance. While that is in the future, right now, Plaisier is enjoying playing in his hometown and trying to help the Oil Capitals win a championship. He appreciates what his family has done to help get him to this point.

“Without my family, I wouldn’t be anywhere near this level,” Plaisier said. “They do everything they can for me and always are there watching my games.”

Built in Virden: Plaisier’s path to junior hockey captain

By Robin Wark