A veteran of the major junior ranks is helping the Virden Oil Capitals succeed this season.
Oakbank’s Owen Blocker played 159 regular season games for the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Swift Current Broncos over parts of four seasons. The 19-year-old was reassigned to the Oil Caps in October. As of Sunday, he had 14 points, five goals, and 54 penalty minutes in 20 games with the team.
“Owen is a competitor who skates very well and shoots the puck hard,” Virden head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “He brings a physicality to our lineup and has started to really come into his own as of late. We are fortunate to have Owen in our lineup and he will be an important piece for us moving forward.”
Blocker believes some lessons learned in the Western Hockey League are benefitting him in the Junior A Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
“My time in the WHL had many learning curves in it that I find helpful to use here,” he said. “I learned a lot of skillful things that I wasn’t good enough to use in the WHL but now can in the MJ.”
Blocker, who billets with Cheryl and Murray Foster, is having fun in an expanded role with the Oil Capitals.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed the playing time since I’ve come here and its been great for my confidence,” he said.
