Five Olds Grizzlys peewee AA players have been chosen to play on the south black team in the Peewee Prospects Cup which takes place May 8-12 in Lethbridge.
They are Drew Williamson, Walker Overwater, Emmett Barnett, Ryan Seeley and Tristan Visser.
It's considered the first step up the elite hockey ladder, which could lead all the way to one day being chosen to represent Canada, head coach Patrick Seeley says.
Visser, Seeley and Overwater are from Olds. Williamson lives just east of Olds. Barnett is from Sundre. Williamson, Overwater and Visser are forwards. Seeley and Barnett are D-men.
Seeley has mixed feelings about the choices. He says the ones chosen are all highly deserving, but so are a few other peewee AA Grizzlys who didn't make the cut.
"I'm really happy for these kids but I think we could have had more. I'm a little disappointed that there's a couple that weren't picked as well, but I think they have a maximum of five, I'm guessing," he said during an interview with the Albertan.
"I'm happy for the kids, (that were chosen) don't get me wrong, but I'm a little disappointed (for) some of the other ones, I wish they could have been there. I know they're disappointed as well," he added.
"But you know, whatever. There are more of these events as the kids get older. It's the beginning of the Alberta Cup and to Team Alberta. Then Team Alberta launches you into Team Canada."
Seeley noted his older son, Ronan, went that same route and not only ended up on Team Canada, but was drafted by the WHL's Everett Silvertips in 2017.
Aside from their obvious skill, all five players have a few other traits in common.
"They all have a great attitude. They're all very good teammates," Seeley said. "They have a great work ethic, they're not afraid to work hard. They're very coachable, and they just want to learn."
The peewee AA Grizzlys had a good season, going 27-10-2. They got all the way to the north final before bowing out.
"(The season) started off slowly. Then after Christmas we were the best team in the league," Seeley said.
"We had a really good showing out at the Regina peewee tournament, the largest peewee tournament in Western North America.
"We played really well out there and rolled it right into playoffs. We just kind of ran out of steam in the last game there. It was unfortunate; had a tough draw. But all in all it was a great year."
Seeley said kudos rightfully go to the players for all their hard work and talent but he noted that's only part of the story. Their parents have worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices to enable them to get where they are.
"Hats have got to go off to the parents," he said. It's a real commitment financially and time-wise (for them). So you know, it's an honour for these kids to get on this team, but really, a lot of credit obviously has to go to the parents. They're as dedicated -- if not more so -- than the kids."
