A group of local players have helped the Yellowhead Chiefs bantam AAA boys teams be a true team on and off the ice.
As of Sunday, the Chiefs were 26-6-1-1 in the Winnipeg AAA Hockey League. Head coach Craig Geekie said he has been impressed with how everyone gets along in the room and off the ice. Geekie emphasized that all of the local players are great kids who as very coachable and respectable young men.
“There are no ‘cliques’ or groups,” the former Brandon Wheat King said. “Everyone talks to each other and to me it shows on the ice. When someone does something, they all are genuinely happy for each other. It’s tough for 13 and 14-year-old kids to make a team and meet new people and see each other more than their own siblings, and yet get along and respect each other day in and day out.”
Virden’s Dexter Whittle is a second-year defenceman with 11 goals and 29 points in 32 games.
“Dexter is a strong skater with a high compete level,” Geekie said. “Whether practice or game, he competes hard. When he does that consistently, it brings the rest of the players’ compete level up at the same time. He is a great leader that leads by example.”
Foxx McColl, a rookie defenceman from Elkhorn has 13 points in 33 games.
“Foxx is a good skater, which helps him out a lot at this level, and he loves to compete hard both at practice and games,” Geekie said. “Being a first-year player, he has adapted to learning the game and how to play at the AAA level. He is not afraid to ask questions.”
Virden’s Davis Thompson, thriving in a defensive forward role, has posted seven points in 34 games.
“Davis has taken on the role of one of our top penalty kill guys. [He] blocks shots and is out for a lot of important face-offs,” Geekie said. “He has embraced that role with a smile and is excited to learn the game.”
Manson’s Kurt Rookes has displayed strength and an enjoyment of the physical side of the game as a first-year bantam. The defenceman has 17 points and a team-high 74 penalty minutes in 34 games.
“He has a good shot and has made the transition from forward to defence this year… willing to learn anytime he has the chance,”Geekie said.
Sioux Valley’s Ryan Taylor, a forward, has 12 goals and 18 points in 15 games.
“Ryan is a strong kid… enjoys the physical side of the game but also has a ‘knack’ to score,” Geekie said. “He can change the tempo of the game with some of his hits.”
