He’s a hockey nomad who loves to stop pucks in his spare time.
Michael Hails, the 16-year-old son of a forester, has played the game in Salmon Arm, Orangeville, Ont., Fort Nelson, Squamish, Kelowna and Vernon.
His first year of Midget Tier 1 with the Vernon Home Building Centre Vipers, goes down as his best so far after backstopping Jim Armstrong’s team to the Okanagan Mainline Hockey Association playoff final against Brent Gilchrist’s Fripps Warehouse Kelowna Rockets.
Gilchrist, at the time of the playoffs, called Hails the best goalie in the league. The former NHLer was right. OMAHA, at its annual general meeting Sunday in Vernon, named Hails MVP. The association chooses from just one division each year and selects an MVP.
“I read in the paper what Brent Gilchrist said about me and I really appreciated it,” said the amiable Hails. “I’m not totally like Tim Thomas (of the Boston Bruins), but I get the job done. I do whatever it takes.”
Born in Chilliwack, Hails started minor hockey in Salmon Arm. He was the fastest player on his team, playing defence. It was after a game at the Sunwave Centre when he asked his father, Dave, if he could play goal, mainly because “you never come off the ice.”
The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder stretches 30 minutes a day to get more flexible. He’s a gym rat, working out at Fitness West. His net detective idol is not in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“I love Ryan Miller. He just looks so calm and patient. He’s a such a great goalie and he got MVP for Buffalo. He looks so relaxed.”
The Grade 11 Kalamalka Secondary student was happy with the Midget Vipers’ season.
“I thought we had an outstanding year. We had some unfortunate injuries and we lost a player (Brett Hawrys) to junior B late in the season. We were ranked third in the province early in the season.”
Armstrong, who also had a superb goalie in Danny Todosychuk on his roster, was delighted to see Hails recognized.
“Three words describe Michael – focused, dedicated and driven,” said Armstrong. “Michael’s work ethic in practice was exceptional. He never took a practice off and always pushed his teammates to be better. Michael’s competitive spirit and will to win pushed his teammates and allowed them to succeed.”
Hails, who spent one Bantam year with Pursuit of Excellence in Kelowna, will attend B.C. Hockey League main camps with the Vernon Vipers and Salmon Arm SilverBacks.
He also has invites to junior B camps with the North Okanagan Knights, Osoyoos Coyotes, Kelowna Chiefs and the expansion Chase franchise.
