Miniota’s Colby Walker was an important player in his third season with the Tri-Town Thunder. The son of Alan and Janine Walker recorded career highs in points(29), assists (19), and
power-play goals (five) for the Thunder, who compete in the Prairie Junior Hockey League. The 6-foot- 3, 210-pound Walker mostly played defence last winter, but also saw some time at forward.
He was a key leader as an alternate captain for the Thunder.
“The strengths of Colby's game are: his outstanding character, passion, leadership, and versatility to play many different positions and roles. Colby has terrific puck handling and shooting
skills. He is one of my go-to players in the important stages of a game,” Thunder head coach Randy Cuthill wrote in an email interview.
Walker has been a stalwart player for Tri- Town in his three seasons. This past winter he played in his 100th game with the Junior B squad and joined the team’s Century Club.
“He received a clock with the team logo. His name and the date of his achievement were engraved on the clock,” Cuthill wrote. “In the team’s 15-year history, only 22 players have reached this
milestone.”
As well as his longevity, Walker has impressed the Tri-Town faithful with his on-ice intelligence. “The one thing that stands out about Colby is his cerebral approach to the game,” Cuthill
wrote. “He has an outstanding hockey IQ that allows him to play the game with calmness and composure.
He never panics under pressure and can always be relied upon to make the right play.” The Thunder are based in the communities of Arborfield, Carrot River and Zenon Park in Saskatchewan. The team primarily plays in Carrot River. Walker has greatly enjoyed his time there. “The best part about playing in Carrot River is probably that the people,” Walker wrote in an Internet interview.
“They’re great. They make you feel right at home.” Walker also has strong support back home. Of his parents, he said, “They have been unbelievable. They support me through everything I do.”
Walker has spent countless hours at the rink. What keeps him playing? “Just the love for the game. When hockey season comes around, I get the itch to play and I have to go back.”
Walker has one year of Junior B eligibility remaining. Cuthill and his Tri-Town fans and teammates sure would love to see him back in a Thunder uniform in the winter.
“I have my fingers crossed that he decides to come back,” Cuthill wrote. “He will have a huge role to play in the team’s success in 2015-16.”
