U-15 Whl Poe Skills Combine begins journey to the Games
By Kyle Prystupa Photo courtesy Hockey Manitoba
The first look is over and the evaluation period will be a long , arduous journey . But also one that will be well worth it .
Although the final product of U-16 Team Manitoba won ’ t be unveiled until the 2018- 19 season , the 2017 U-15 WHL POE Skills Combine hosted by Hockey Manitoba marked the first evaluation in what will be a gruelling test leading up to the 2019 Canada Games in Red Deer .
A total of 126 male players born in 2003 were invited to attend this pre-season development camp featuring WHL Combine testing , skills and goalie development practices led by Team Manitoba coaches . It provided an invaluable opportunity for players to make a strong first impression with WHL scouts and Team Manitoba staff .
Specific to U-16 Team Manitoba and the U-16 Program of Excellence , the event allowed an exclusive opportunity for Team Manitoba coaches to begin to form relationships with the top players in our province and assess more than just hockey ability . Hockey Manitoba , and
Hockey Canada , place an extremely high value on player character and personal traits when identifying players for provincial and national teams . The belief is that the most talented and skilled players will be identified for the final roster , but what separates those players from making it or not is their willingness to “ buy into ” the program , to be a character person and effective teammate .
“ It ’ s still a long time until 2019 ,” said Garth Mitchell , who will serve as head coach of Team Manitoba at the 2019 Canada Games . “ However , we ’ ve had a nice opportunity to influence these players with the intangibles that will be required to progress within the program and ultimately challenge for a final roster spot .”
Throughout the early part of 2017-18 season players will be scouted and evaluated by Hockey Manitoba to form the 2018 Manitoba Games rosters . The Manitoba Games rosters will be named in early December of 2017 , followed by development camps held December 27-30 in Dauphin and Selkirk .
SEPTEMBER 2017 | GAME ON | 17