Ethan Guthrie, an 18-year-old Brandon product has earned a role this season on the Virden Oil Capitals blue line. Through 48 Manitoba Junior Hockey League games this season, the 5-foot-11, 170-pounder has a goal, 15 points, and 53 penalty minutes. He ranked sixth among first-year MJHL blue liners in points.
“Ethan has had a very, very good season to this point,” Virden head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “He transitioned very quickly to the league, and we feel like he has been a veteran guy for us. He plays a physical, in your face type of game with an ability to contribute offensively. He defends hard and has also been a regular member of our powerplay throughout the season. We are very excited to see where Ethan can take his game throughout the remainder of the season and into next year.”
Guthrie was a 2019 MJHL Draft pick of the Oil Caps. He suited up for the last three seasons for his hometown Brandon U18 AAA Wheat Kings.
“Playing junior everything is just faster and guys are much bigger,” Guthrie said. ”I just have to make quicker decisions and be faster with the puck.”
Part of what has allowed Guthrie to contribute as a rookie might have been learned on the links. He is an avid golfer. Guthrie won the junior second flight at the prestigious Tamarack Golf Tournament last summer.
“The biggest way golf has helped me with hockey is just staying composed under high pressure situations,” he said.
Guthrie is at least the second blue liner in his family to play in the MJHL. His father, John, suited up for the Dauphin Kings in the mid-90s.
“He had had the biggest impact on my hockey career so far,” Guthrie said. “He coached me all the way up to midget and has helped me so much.”
In Virden, Guthrie billets with the LeBlanc family. He said, “They have been unreal to me, and they are a great family.” They are one of the aspects he has appreciated about playing for the Oil Caps.
“I have enjoyed the group of guys that we have. Lots of fun playing hockey and hanging out with them,” Guthrie said. “I also enjoy how great this community is.”
