No matter where Jake Beaty’s hockey career takes him, he will always be a Hockey Hall of Fame Future Legends Tournament champion.
The son of Virden’s Christie and Matt Beaty was selected to partake in a unique experience in Toronto, April 28-May 1, that brought together top 2010-born boys from across North America. Not only did Beaty participate, but the skilled defenceman helped Team Modano win the championship.
“The best part about winning was getting to hoist the cup,” Beaty said.
Play Hockey’s Director of Elite Programming Joe Templin, whose organization puts on the event with the Hockey Hall of Fame and Premier Ice Prospects, explained that the tournament is a special experience this year for 192 standout 2010-born boys. There was also a girls’ division. The male players selected for the tournament are drafted onto teams named for ex-National Hockey League greats. The draft, as well as the opening ceremonies, was emceed by TSN personality Gino Reda. Players were presented with their jerseys and then had their pictures taken with former NHL goalie Chris Osgood.
Templin said he believed there were players from about nine provinces and 20 states. Beaty was the lone Manitoban on his team. It included players from New Jersey, Boston, New York, Alberta, Quebec, B.C. and Ontario.
“I enjoyed playing with other kids from around North America,” Beaty said.
His squad was 6-1 in the tournament. Team Modano, named for former Dallas Stars All-Star Mike, beat the squad carrying Wayne Gretzky’s last name, 4-1, in the final.
“The hockey was really fast and there were lots of high-level kids playing,” Beaty said.
In addition to the games, the tournament included other activities. There was on and off ice combine testing. The players attended an exclusive event at the Hockey Hall of Fame. They were presented with certificates and had their team picture taken with hockey’s biggest prize.
“I enjoyed seeing the Stanley Cup and all the other trophies,” Beaty said of his time at the Hall of Fame.
A Grade 6 student at Virden Junior High School, Beaty has some more hockey ahead of him. He is playing in the spring season for the Manitoba Junior Ice Team. The team heads to Montreal next month for the Triple Crown tournament.
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In addition to its exclusive drafted 2010 boys’ and girls’ divisions, the event also included boys 2011 and 2012 tournaments for teams. Templin said the invitational included squads from Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, B.C., and the United States.
The Manitoba Junior Ice had a 2011 and a 2012 team at the event. The 2011 team included Virden’s Mason Auger and Easton Pitz. It had a 2-3 record. The 2012 team, including Virden’s Dawson Densmore, also was 2-3.
