NEWS PHOTO RYAN MCCRACKEN Medicine Hat Cubs forward Cooper Hilworth takes a shot on goal while Airdrie Techmation Thunder forward Kory Zinck defends during a Heritage Junior Hockey League game at the Kinplex on Sunday, Dec. 8.
rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken
The Heritage Junior Hockey League will shine a spotlight on the future this Sunday afternoon at the Kinplex.
Before the big guns hit the ice for the all-star game, the HJHL will turn its focus to the league’s rising talent for the first-ever top prospects game – something Cubs co-coach JD Gaetan says is a step in a positive direction for both the league and its players.
“I think it’s something the HJHL has been doing to compete with the (Kootenay International Junior Hockey League) and leagues that are advertising themselves as developmental leagues, so it’s kind of a step in that direction for the HJHL,” said Gaetan. “Try to display our young talent, bring in scouts and show them what we have to try to move these guys on to junior A and college-level teams.”
Cubs forwards Cooper Hilworth and Levi Schlosser, defenceman Brandon Hauck and goaltender Dawsen Savage will all represent Medicine Hat in Sunday’s prospects showcase after helping their team surge to an 18-7-2 record through the 2019 portion of the campaign.
“In a provincial year, you’d expect to have more of a veteran roster than probably what we have, even right now, but the young guys are producing and keeping up with the older guys,” said Gaetan. “We have no hesitation putting them in the lineup and going with the lineup we have into playoffs and provincials. I think we proved it in the first half by ending up in second (in the Southern Division). So we’re happy with the young guys and this is just a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills in front of a big crowd and some scouts.”
Schlosser and Hauck spent last season helping the Medicine Hat Hounds midget AA squad rally all the way to a provincial title before joining up with the Cubs alongside a handful of other teammates. That group has been a driving factor in Medicine Hat’s success this year, so Schlosser says it’s nice to get the nod as one of the league’s top prospects.
“It’s pretty special being one of the selected few. It means a lot,” said Schlosser, who has 11 goals and 11 assists in 27 games. “Not only am I having a good season, but our team is doing well this year, my linemates are setting me up, kind of everything is just clicking together.”
Hauck – who has five assists in 27 games on the back end – agreed it’s great to be recognized by the league and get the chance to shine in front of scouts in his home barn.
“It probably means I’m doing something right out there,” he said, adding Savage has been a catalyst in Medicine Hat’s success this season. “He’s been playing really well. He’s been shutting everybody down and it’s been a big help having him back there, stopping the majority of the pucks. It’s a big boost, a confidence boost for us knowing that if we mess up he’ll be there to cover for us.”
The prospects game will also provide the four Cubs with a rare opportunity – the chance to team up with the players they’ve spent the season battling against on the other side of the puck.
“You’re always going to have that competition where you’re like, ‘Hey I don’t like you,’ but you’re going to have to become friends for the day and just play and have fun together,” said Hilworth, who has six goals and 18 assists in 25 contests. “It’s going to be nice to meet some new faces and have some fun.”
Hilworth – who played a significant hand in Medicine Hat’s playoff push last season – added the prospects game is a great sign for the future of the HJHL, as it signals the league’s dedication to providing a path for players to reach higher levels of hockey.
“It’s really good growth for the league,” he said. “It’s going to bring a lot more good players to the league, really boost the league prospects, and it just makes a better environment for the league and gives the kids a better chance.”
The Cubs will be in Coaldale Saturday to take on the Copperheads at 8:30 p.m. before returning to the Kinplex Sunday to host the top prospects game at 1 p.m. and the all-star game at 4 p.m.
