High-calibre talent in Hockey Hounds tourney

By JAMES TUBB on November 17, 2022.

The 49th annual Medicine Hat Hockey Hounds bantam tournament is this weekend and has featured high-end Western hockey talent throughout its history.

The Hounds say more than 700 players to suit up in their tournament have been drafted to the Western Hockey League and 28 have made it to the NHL, including stars such as Trevor Linden, Chris Osgood, Jarome Iginla and more.

The SEAC Tigers U15 AAA team gets their tournament underway tonight at 8:30 p.m. when they take on West Central at the Kinplex. The rest of their round-robin games are Friday at 11 a.m. against OHA and Friday at 8:30 p.m. against St. George’s School, both games at the Kinplex.

Ahead of this year’s tournament, the News has developed a list of players to watch from some of the 14 teams participating, with special input from Medicine Hat Tigers scout Ash Glover.

Theron Bensler, defence, SEAC Tigers U15 AAA

Local product Bensler will look to have a good showing in his hometown tournament. The big, mobile right-shot defender is the straw who stirs the drink in Medicine Hat. He’ll look to activate and get as many offensive touches as possible, while also ensuring he provides a physical element in his own end.

Matt Williams, forward, Leduc Oil Kings U15 AAA

A strong-bodied forward, Williams is a key cog in Leduc’s engine room. He brings a physical edge and a high shot volume to the table, as well as the understanding of how to space the ice for others.

Ordell Saddleback, forward, Leduc Oil Kings U15 AAA

A creative forward with great goal senses and puck skill. Saddleback is very prominent on the puck, will find him shifting lanes and flashing elusive.

Grady Wedman, forward, Leduc Oil Kings U15 AAA

A two-way centreman with good drive and hockey sense. Strong both on and off the puck, Wedman commands centre ice and is a focal play driver for the team. He’s strong around the net.

Cohen Klassen, forward, Martensville Marauders U15 AA

High-energy winger who plays with confidence and some edge. Klassen has a really good knack of setting the tempo for his team. Great release on his shot and works the walls and his flank with speed and a sense of urgency.

Liam Chartrand, forward, Pilot Mound U15 Prep

Agile attacker with great natural scoring instincts. Chartrand is a prominent puck handler and transition skater and does a great job of anticipating passing lanes while offering great puck skills and shot variety.

Benson Hirst, defence, Pilot Mound U15 Prep

Active right-shot defender who has a hand in just about everything. Drives a lot of play offensively, has a very calm and poised approach to shot and passing choices. Can break defensive lines in transition if given the room.

Jaden Blanchette, goalie, West Central Wheat Kings U15 AA

The six-footer from Unity, Sask. has been a standout in net for the Wheat Kings this season. Blanchette is a strong, mobile goalie with high compete and leadership qualities who, without doubt, will be a difficult customer to score on.

Kanjyu Gojsic, forward, St. George’s Prep U15

Powerful, athletic right shot forward who catches the eye. Very strong on the puck and has a strong shot. Attacks defenders with pace and isn’t afraid to mix it up physically. Loves to transition the puck and create for himself and others.

Eli Barrett, forward, St. George’s Prep U15

Barrett is a smooth skating forward with great acceleration and overall pace to his game. Dynamite when in space or given a sniff of goal, Barrett is a forward who looks to expose any hole or breakdown in defence. Fantastic offensive and scoring IQ.

Jaxon Larmand, forward, Cariboo Cougars U15 AAA

Highly skilled attacker with great smaller area play and spatial awareness. Swivels and cuts on a dime in traffic in order to find space for himself look relatively easy.

Does a great job of elevating pucks and altering shooting angles, making him dangerous from the hash marks and in.