One day Tyson Andrew and Dexter Whittle could be teammates again – in their hometown.
The Virden Oil Capitals auto-protected both young men ahead of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft. Each MJHL team can auto-protect two hometown players to secure their league rights. Last season Andrew, a forward, competed for the Southwest Cougars bantam AAA team, while Whittle, a defenceman, suited up for the Yellowhead Chiefs bantam AAA squad.
“I have played with and against Dexter over the years,” Andrew said. “A good guy on and off the ice. I would rather have him on my point than facing him at the blue line.”
Both Andrew and Whittle, who was picked by Everett in the Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, are pleased with the possibility of playing for the Oil Caps.
“Getting the call from (head) coach Tyson Ramsey about being auto protected by the Oil Capitals was very exciting! I'm really looking forward to maybe someday playing for the Oil Capitals,” Whittle said. “I have watched the team ever since they came to Virden and to be able to be a part of such a great organization is a real honor. I also enjoyed spring camp. I haven't played in my hometown rink for a while so it was great being able to play at home.”
Andrew said he is looking forward to going to fall camp with the Oil Capitals “to continue developing my skills and start playing hockey at the next level.” Drafted players cannot play in the MJHL full time until their 16-year-old season. Andrew is looking forward to trying out for the AAA U-18 Southwest Cougars along with his brother Hayden and cousin Hunter Andrew. His cousin, Tanner Andrew, played for the Oil Caps last season. Whittle is unsure of where he will play next winter but said “I will be working hard all summer to get stronger and faster so that I can make a AAA U-18 team.”
Andrew, the son of Scott and Jennifer, had a goal, three assists, and 38 penalty minutes in 36 games last season.
“Tyson plays a hard-nosed game up front and has the ability to put up some offensive numbers as he continues to develop into a very good two-way forward,” Ramsey said in a media release.
Whittle is the son of Alana George Whittle and Clifford Whittle. He recorded 12 goals, 30 points, and 58 penalty minutes in 34 games.
“Dexter is a top end guy on the back end who could very well have been a top pick in the draft this year,” Ramsey said. “We were very lucky to have the opportunity to protect him."
Both players praised their parents for their backing and encouragement. Andrew said: “Their support has allowed me to focus my energy in the gym and on the ice, and they are both good drivers.”
Some of Andrew’s and Whittle’s teammates were chosen in the June 9 draft. They included: Cougars: Rd 1., 1st overall, Waywayseecappo, Luke Robson, F, Carberry; Rd 3, 29th, Virden, Garrett MacDonald, D, Killarney; Rd 3, 32nd, Swan Valley, Owen Harris, D, Wawanesa; Rd 5, 50th, OCN, Brayden Knox, F, Carberry; Rd 6, 60th, Dauphin, Zach Turner, D, Boissevain; Rd 6, 63rd, Selkirk, Evan White, F, Shilo; Yellowhead: Rd 2, 12th, Neepawa, D Benjamin Saunderson, Carberry; Rd. 3, 33rd, Portage, Cole Topham, F, Minnedosa.
Staff Additions
The Oil Capitals have added two familiar faces to their staff for next season. Reid Gow, who had been a “mentor” assistant last season, will be a full-time assistant coach. The former Brandon Wheat King and Spokane Chiefs player works at Farm Credit Canada and his coaching experience includes being an assistant at the bantam AAA level. He will run the Oil Caps defence.
“In Reid, we get a guy that is not that far removed from playing at a high level and the experience he will bring while being able to relate to our guys on a level where the gap in age is not overly large is going to be invaluable for us as a group,” Ramsey said.
Marc Berry has been named assistant general manager. Berry has served in various roles for the team in the last year. He is the former head coach and general manager of the Dauphin Kings. Berry was an assistant coach with that team as well as the Yellowhead Chiefs at the then midget level.
“Marc and I have similar vision of what is necessary to be successful in the game today and in junior hockey and I look forward to working with him on the player personnel side of our organization,” Ramsey said in a media release. “Marc brings experience off the ice in helping drive the club forward from a business perspective as well.”
