Virden’s Tanner Andrew is showing how important confidence is in sports.
The second year forward is off to a great start for his hometown Virden Oil Capitals in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Through 28 games, he had scored 14 goals and recorded 29 points. Those totals already surpassed the 13 goals and 27 points he posted in 57 contests in 2018-2019, which was his first full season with the team.
“I think my confidence is higher this year because I have a bigger role on the team,” the son of Brock and Andrea Andrew said. “Also, after having a year of junior hockey under my belt it makes it easier to have confidence on the ice.”
As of Sunday, the 5-foot-9, 170-pounder was eighth in the MJHL in scoring. Andrew was third on the Oil Caps in points behind Kolten Kanaski’s 39 and Hunter Cloutier’s 33.
“Tanner is a very skilled guy and has the ability to be a game changer every night,” Virden head coach Tyson Ramsey said. “His speed and skill are certainly his strengths and he has been very good for us through this early part of the season. He plays in all situations and when he is at his best, he is extremely hard for the opposition’s defence to handle.”
When asked about what has allowed him to put up points this season, Andrew said he had to give a lot of credit to his teammates, especially his linemates.
“They make it a lot easier for us to get chances and put the puck in the net,” he said. Later Andrew said, “Playing with Clooch (Cloutier) and Jack (Einarson) makes the game so much easier. Playing with players as skilled as they are is a lot of fun.”
The 19-year-old Andrew is also enjoying being teammates with his brother, Hunter. The younger Andrew is a 17-year-old rookie forward with the team.
“I love playing with my brother. It’s so much fun and makes it a lot easier on our parents,” said the elder Andrew brother.
As a 17-year-old, he split the season between the Oil Caps and the U18 Southwest Cougars. Andrew is proud to play in the area where he developed his game.
His father has built the Andrew sons a backyard rink since the elder was five. Andrew noted his dad spends countless hours putting it up every year, flooding into the early hours so that the boys can work on their skills. It is just one example of the support they receive from their family.
“I can’t thank my parents enough for all they have done for me in my career,” Andrew said. “They have done everything for me and Hunter.”
