Minor hockey associations around the world invariably create players who go on to become the best of the best, and this week one of Westlock’s own rising stars is getting the opportunity to shine.
Jaden Senkoe was called last week to play for Team Brick Alberta in the Brick Super Novice Invitational Hockey tournament at West Edmonton Mall this week, July 4-10.
“It’s pretty much the best hockey at this age level,” Jaden’s mother Joann Senkoe said. “For his age group, he’s pretty much one of the top players in Alberta. I’m pretty proud.”
The tournament, which is for players 9-10 years old, was started in 1990 by Brick owner Bill Comrie. It has been going every year since then, and many of the players who take part in the tournament go on to play in major leagues — some have even gone on to the NHL.
For his part, Jaden said he felt lucky to have been chosen and was excited to take part in the tournament.
“It feels really good and really encouraging for my hockey life,” he said.
Tryouts were held in December: one in Edmonton and one in Calgary. The coaches narrowed the field down to the top 40 players, and from there they selected their team.
“My son didn’t make the team at that point, but last week they phoned him,” Joann said. “They said they needed him as a forward or a defenceman.”
Jaden, who plays centre, said he isn’t too worried about having to play a different position than he’s used to; he has been playing hockey for longer than he can remember, and he feels like he’s pretty adaptable.
Furthermore, he said he’s confident his team will go on to take gold in the tournament.
Anyone interested in following the team can keep track of their progress this week on the tournament’s website, brickinvitational.pointstreaksites.com.
