Local players look to impress with Bisons

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

It took nearly four weeks of evaluation for the coaching staff of the UFA Bisons to select their roster for the 2010-2011 season.

Twenty of the finest hockey players from the zone, which spans over a large area outside the City of Calgary, made the highly respected triple-A midget team.

However, for the four local players making the team, the feeling was a little sweeter.

Goaltender George Merik, defencemen Darian Henry and Cody Brown, along with forward Kirby Ruzesky, have the honour of playing in their childhood rink for the upcoming season.

For three of the four players, they’ve had the privilege of donning the Bisons jersey last season, while newcomer Henry put on the Bisons silks for the first time this fall.

“You know, it was really great,” said Henry of the first time he stepped on the ice for the Herd. “It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but it’s getting a little easier now. I came and watched my older brother’s games a lot – he played for this team at one time too, so I was always there. 

“It was always cool to watch and imagine what it would be like to play (here) as a young kid.”

As one of the team’s offensive catalysts, Ruzesky is excited to ply his trade for the Bisons.

“It’s a pretty good feeling to come back and to be able to play a second year with the organization,” said the hard-hitting power forward. “It feels pretty special – seeing some of the guys who moved on to junior, the NHL even – to follow in their footsteps is special.” 

“I remember watching that one game that went to seven overtimes or something like that and wishing I could be there one day. Now that I am, I have to take it all in and have fun with it.”

One of the rare players who took advantage of all three years of midget eligibility is goaltender Merik. The Rockyford native is now is his third and final season with the Bisons.

“It’s a great organization – great coaches, great managers – they take care of us,” said Merik. “Since I was young, I always dreamed about playing here. It’s weird – looking at it then because the players seemed so big. Now you’re one of them.”

According to the netminder, there is tremendous pride when donning the Bisons jersey.

“You can ask any of the (players), I’m not a big fooling-around guy – especially come game time,” said Merik. “The pride (of putting the jersey on) is so high because you represent your hometown, you represent the crest (on the jersey) – it’s great.”

Teammate Cody Brown agrees. However, his jersey is a little heavier than the others, as he was named team captain prior to the start of the regular season.

“It’s a real privilege – when you play minor hockey you always look up to the guys,” said Brown. “It feels really good (to be a player), let alone the captain. It’s kind of surreal. I never thought that’s how it would go.

“It was a huge honour (to be named captain) – playing here last year I got some experience. We have a great bunch of guys and that makes my job easier, that’s for sure.”