Two Barrhead teenagers have shown there is hockey life after the Steelers.
Jake Chizma and Dayne Wingrove have taken their talents to the Whitecourt Spruceland Ford Wolverines, hoping to continue improving their game.
Sadly for 18-year-old Chizma the season was short-lived after he suffered a fracture at the start of December.
The Wolverines are in the Northern Alberta Midget AA Hockey League where the Barrhead Steelers competed last year before joining 1660.
It proved a stellar farewell season for the Steelers, with forwards Chizma and Wingrove playing their part in helping the team power its way to a best-of-five final series with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers.
Although the Steelers came up just short, they had plenty of reasons for pride. With the team breaking up, Chizma and Wingrove looked to maintain their high standards in a competitive league.
According to the NAMHL website, the Wolverines have won 18 out of 31 games, with 11 losses and two ties. They have accumulated 38 points, scoring 139 goals, while conceding 107.
The Wolverines sit third in the six-team West Blue Division, trailing leaders PAC Spruce Grove Saints by 11 points.
The faith of Chizma and Wingrove in the Wolverines has proved well-founded with the Midget AA side being selected to host the March 21-24 provincial tournament. Unfortunately in the provincial play downs the Wolverines came unstuck against St. Albert Crusaders, losing out in overtime on Feb. 13.
Although Whitecourt is 100 kilometres from Barrhead, the logistics have been manageable for the two local players – thanks to Wingrove’s mother, Trudy.
“I have become a taxi driver,” laughed Trudy.
She has been driving up to Whitecourt Tuesdays and Thursdays for hockey practice.
Of course, since Chizma’s injury she has only been transporting her 17-year-old son.
Trudy is keen to share her experience with those who want to pursue better hockey outside Barrhead.
“People should be aware what opportunities there are for local players,” she said.
Chizma and Wingrove aren’t the only Barrhead natives furthering their sporting ambitions outside the area.
Zach Mills and Joel Johnson, both 19, left Barrhead to become key players for the Spruce Grove Regals.
The Regals compete in the Capital Junior Hockey League (CJHL), which features teams from Edmonton and the surrounding area, and are currently vying for top spot with the Beverly Warriors.
On Feb. 9 the two sides played each other in Westlock, with the Warriors winning 4-3 in a shootout after the game was tied 3-3 following overtime.
