Rookies Nolan Wallace and Layton Veitch have contributed to the Virden Oil Capitals this season while learning the ropes of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Brandon’s Wallace is an 18-year-old defenceman. The 17-year-old Veitch hails from Rivers and plays forward.
“Both Layton and Nolan have been very good for us this season,” Virden head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “They are younger guys and are in and out of the lineup at times, but they work extremely hard in practice and off the ice to get better every day. They are both very good teammates, and both are going to be great Oil Caps.”
Wallace suited up last season for his hometown U18 AAA Wheat Kings. Veitch competed for the U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs.
“I think this year has definitely been a learning curve for me,” Veitch said. “It’s a big step up from AAA, but I feel like I have adjusted well. It’s faster and more physical and different when you’re playing against guys three years older than you, decisions on the ice need to be made quicker and there isn’t as much room to carry the puck, but I have enjoyed it a lot.”
Both Wallace and Veitch have been able to play Junior A hockey relatively close to home.
“Virden was a team that I made the trip out to come and watch before I was a part of it so being able to now be a part of it and being so close to home has been great,” Wallace said. “My family and support aren’t too far away that they can come watch and I can always go home to visit.”
Nolan Wallace
The 5-foot-10, 182-pound Wallace has recorded an assist in 20 games this season.
“Nolan is very physically strong and has an ability to get pucks through to the net,” Ramsey said. “He defends well and, as he gets older, will be a guy that can play against the opposition's best players. He is a natural leader, and I can see him filling a role like that here as well.”
In Virden, Wallace and teammate Trevor Hunt billet with Janice Nylin. He has liked various aspects of being a part of the Oil Caps.
“I’d say what I’ve enjoyed most about playing in Virden is being a part of a great organization that’s supported by such a great community. From teammates to coaches to front office, everyone here has been awesome and top tier in what they do.”
Layton Veitch
Veitch has also enjoyed the Oil Caps organization and its fans. He billets with Murray and Cheryl Foster.
“I think my favourite part about being an Oil Cap is just to play for such a good organization, the way the community supports the team is amazing, and you couldn’t ask for a better group of guys,” Veitch said.
A 5-foot-10, 165-pound forward, Veitch has found the back of the next twice in 25 games this season.
“Layton is a guy that can be a little bit of everything,” Ramsey said. “He can skate and shoots the puck very well. He can play a physical game and will be a great asset for us on the penalty kill next season and I can see him having the ability to play anywhere in the lineup.”
