Future MJHL talents hit the ice for prospect camp in Winnipeg

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This article was published 04/08/2022 (1056 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

by CASSIDY DANKOCHIK

The next generation of Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) players were on the ice at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg last week, as the league hosted its fifth annual prospect camp.

Players from three age groups hit the ice for games, off ice testing and player development seminars in front of scouts from July 20-24.

“The main goal of the camp is to prepare these players on and off the ice for what it takes to be successful in the MJHL and what it takes to advance to NCAA, WHL, USports, and eventually pro or NHL,” the MJHL’s website reads.

“The camp activities will emphasize the elements these players need to focus on to transition successfully from elite minor hockey up into junior hockey.”

All players were also invited to to an MJHL hot stove and presentation, with panellists including University of North Dakota head coach Brad Barry and assistant coach of the Winnipeg Ice, Taras McEwan. McEwan is also the Team Manitoba 2022/23 Team Mantioba head coach.

The age levels included a ‘premier’ division for players born in 2004 and 2005, a ‘draft’ division for players born in 2006 who were draft-eligible this year, and a ‘futures’ division for players born in 2005 who will be draft-eligible next year.

Matt Thiessen, a former Steinbach Pistons goalie and current member of the University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey team attended camp to help prepare the players for their MJHL career. He’s attended the camp for the past few years.

He told the MJHL’s twitter he was impressed with how well teams of random players from across Manitoba were coming together through the camp, and was impressed with the players compete, considering the time of year.

“From the first time I came here to help out, it keeps on growing and keeps on getting better and better,” the Vancouver Canucks draft-pick said.

“(The MJHL) helped me out tremendously. Getting into the league as a 17-year-old, I didn’t really know what to expect… Having a really great team really helped out. Everyone in the league comes together.”

The two local MJHL franchises were well represented at the camp.

In the Premier Division, Dylan LeClair (Interlake Lightning G) was the only player to attend the camp from the Niverville Nighthawks. It’s no surprise the nighthawks were lacking in that age group, as the franchise had their first draft selections earlier this year.

The more-established junior club in the region, the Steinbach Pistons, had five players attend the camp in the premeir division, including the Eastman Selects’ Luke Mistelbacher.

Nighthawks signings were much more active in the draft division, with eight of their selections from the draft in June making the trip, including their first ever selection and Eastman Selects player Avery Laliberte. Nighthawks third-round pick Raiden LeGall even took home a star of the day award on July 23 for his performance.

In addition to team prospects, local players drafted to other teams in the MJHL and potential future picks hit the ice in Winnipeg.

Five Eastman players went to the Premier division camp, 10 players went to the draft division and three players played in the futures division.

In addition to the MJHL prospect camp, the team Manitoba Program of Excellence camp was held from July 20-23. Oakbank defenseman Reece Gault was named to the roster for all three days.

Niverville (current team in brackets)

Premier Division (2004/2005)

Dylan LeClair (Interlake Lightning U17 G)

Draft Division (2006)

Avery Laliberte (Eastman Selects U17 D)

Calem Normandeau (Eastman Selects U17 F)

Rowan Richmond (Yellowhead Chiefs U18 F)

Regan Anderson (Southwest Cougars U18 F)

Kelby Diehl (Southwest Cougars U18 F)

Liam Goertzen (Pembina Valley Hawks U18 F)

Tyson Sperber (Winnipeg Wild U17 F)

Raiden LeGall (Pembina Valley Hawks U18 G)

Steinbach (current team in brackets)

Premier Division (2004/2005)

Blake Goretzki (RHA Nationals U18 D)

Jayce Thompson (Southwest Cougars U18 F)

Luke Mistelbacher (Eastman Selects U18 F)

Brett Kaiser (RHA Nationals U18 F)

Reeve Sukut (Sioux Falls Power U16 F)

Draft Division (2006)

Job Peters (Eastman Selects U18 F)

Luc De Gagne (Eastman Selects U17 F)

Carson White (RHA Nationals U16 F)

Branden Watson (Winnipeg Bruins U17 F)

Cole Penner (RHA Nationals U16 F)

Eastman Selects (drafting team in brackets)

Premier Division (2004/2005)

Thomas Philips (Virdin D)

Declan Whiteman (OCN D)

Liam Leduchowski (Selkirk D)

Merik Boles (Waywayseecappo F)

Luke Mistelbacher (Steinbach F)

Draft Division (2006)

Avery Laliberte (Niverville D)

Carlos Penner (Undrafted D)

Mario Gagnon (Winkler F)

Steele Jowett (Neepawa F)

Calem Normandeau (Niverville F)

Job Peters (Steinbach F)

Luc De Gagne (Steinbach F)

Ashton Cure (Swan Valley F)

Jeremiah Warkentine (Virdin F)

Easton Gaffray (Waywayseecappo F)

Futres Division (2007)

Sam Fontaine (G)

Cameron Sylvester (F)

Calyb Moore (F)