Olds hockey star Charlie Wright, 14, is playing in the Alberta Cup tournament in Spruce Grove at the end of the month.
The purpose of the Alberta Cup is to help identify potential players for Hockey Alberta’s Team Alberta program. Each year, more than 700 players try out for 160 spots.
It also gives scouts a good look at players and how they deal with pressure ahead of the 2018 Western Hockey League bantam draft.
This year's Alberta Cup tournament will be held from April 25 to 29.
Wright is thrilled to be on the roster for the central team and having the chance to play.
“It’s very exciting. A little bit nerve-racking, but I’m mostly excited because it’s a great opportunity," he said. “The tournament is a great experience and there’s a lot of great kids there.”
Wright played for the Alberta Major Bantam AAA Red Deer Rebels this past season and has nothing but good feelings about how it went.
“It was a really good experience, there’s a lot of good kids and coaches there,” he said.
Wright scored two goals and collected 19 points in 36 games for the Rebels this season.
When looking to next season, he looks to continue where he left off.
“I’m looking forward to playing there again hopefully; that’s my plan right now for next year,” he said. “I had a great time there.”
Reflecting on the season he just finished, Wright describes a tournament they played in Prince Albert as particularly memorable.
As for a moment in his career that stands out to him, it’s when he scored a major goal.
“A few years ago in spring hockey I scored the game-winning goal of a big tournament in Regina, that’s probably one of my favourite moments.”
Wright has had to work hard to be where he is in the sport today and credits his parents for making it possible for him.
“My parents work hard for me; they do almost everything for me. They pay for my hockey so I work hard for them,” he said.
Wright's role model is Cale Makar, a Colorado Avalance draft pick who formerly patrolled the blueline for the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“I think I play a lot like him, we’re both good skaters and good puck-handling defencemen,” he said. “We both can create some good offence too.”
Wright says he feels a rush of excitement at crucial times in games.
“There’s a lot of adrenalin and a lot going on," he said. "You have to be smart and (you've) got to be patient."
“As long as you’re excited and loose it’s a really fun game to play,” he added.
Going into the Alberta Cup, Wright is more excited than nervous and has advice for those who want to be successful in the sport.
“Have fun, be excited to play hockey. Don’t think of it as a chore. If it’s a chore, then maybe that’s not the game for you. Otherwise, if you love the game, just play your best game and have fun.”
