The Lyle brothers from Athabasca have made themselves at home on the Whitecourt Wolverines Junior B hockey club.
Carlen, 19, is a goaltender playing his first year with the team while his older brother Mason, 21, is wrapping up his fourth and final year playing defense for the team.
It’s been a season unlike any other for the brothers and the team itself, as the Wolverines have dominated their competition en route to a berth in this weekend’s Keystone Cup, to be held in Saskatoon. It’s the Western Canadian Junior ‘B’ Championship, and only the very best teams qualify to go.
Mason has gone to provincials with the Wolverines before, but this is the first time they have won and advanced to the Keystone Cup.
“It’s the best team we’ve had,” he said of the current lineup.
He has also enjoyed playing with his brother again. Both Mason and Carlen played their minor hockey in Athabasca, and they haven’t been teammates since their season with the Midget Hawks.
“It’s nice having him here and being able to share the experience with him.”
Carlen is in his second season of Junior B hockey and his first with Whitecourt. He’s had to adjust to a backup role with the team this year but always keeps sharp for when he gets the call to start in net.
“You just support them, stay behind them and make sure you’re ready.”
