As you read the paper, five of the Thunder’s finest are showing off their skills to coaches and scouts at the BC Cup in Salmon Arm.
The players earned the honour two weeks ago in Vanderhoof.
“All the boys did a great job” Thunder coach Allen Slaney said.
“I’m proud of them and I can’t wait to watch them on the ice.”
Reign Turley, Jared Martell, Cole Slaney, Keith Redden and Brant Powell are all vying for position in Salmon Arm.
The process started April 6-7 in Vanderhoof, with the boys going through their paces to impress the judges, in a trio of games and a trio of practices.
The set up, however, was new to the boys, as they played against team mates and with former adversaries.
“Playing with new people on the ice, it’s different, but interesting. It was different because you don’t play for your team, you play for yourself.” Powell said.
The weekend was a learning experience for the boys, as they played with new people and had input from new coaches. And, despite the pressure, every player enjoyed himself.
After a weekend of playing under watchful eyes, the boys were wound up tight and full of nerves waiting for word to come down.
But now, facing even tougher competition, the nerves, which their inclusion after the first round laid to rest, are wound up tighter than before.
That’s because this time 160 skaters from all over the province, skaters who have been vouched for after going through the same two-days of testing, will converge on the Salmon Arm rink and only 30 will come out the other side to represent their province in the western Canada championships.
For the five skaters, it’s a great opportunity to get out there and a testament to their skills on the ice, skills their coach has been nurturing.
He’s happy to brag about his players and say how hard they’ve worked to get where they are. And for him, it’s an honour to have the players he’s coached make the grade.
“They brought their top game,” Slaney said.
“To have five boys from the Thunder representing Quesnel at the BC Cup is an honour.”
