Making the switch

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

Rodeo has been part of Straws Milan’s entire life.

However, things really ramped up during the summer of 2004 after playing the hockey season with the Strathmore UFA Bisons.

“I always rodeoed before, but that year I started rodeoing a bit more and that’s when I got hooked,” said Milan.

Good thing he did, because now he is $100,000 richer.

The former captain of the UFA Bisons won the steer riding event at the Calgary Stampede July 17. Milan earned a berth in Sunday’s Championship rodeo after taking his steer down in 3.6 seconds during Semifinal Saturday. 

Milan then went on to score a 3.5 seconds on Sunday, before winning the championship with a 3.6 second takedown in the final.

“This is unbelievable – I can’t even tell you how awesome it is,” said the 24-year-old shortly after claiming his cheque. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever won.”

According to Milan, he is 21st in the world standings and is eyeing a berth in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas later this winter. The up-and-coming rodeo star said the influx of $100,000 will go towards attending more rodeos.

“I don’t have any sponsors or anything, so I was going everywhere on my own money,” he said. “This is going to make it a lot easier for sure.”

Despite not playing elite hockey anymore, Milan is proud of his career on the ice, especially donning the UFA Bisons jersey, when he collected eight goals and 11 assists in 36 games as captain of the local triple-A midget team.

“It was awesome,” said Milan of his time with the Bisons. “The first year I tried out for the Bisons I was one of the last cuts. The next year I made it and I got to be captain – that was an honour.

“I always went to watch the Mac’s Midget Tournament (as a kid) and I was so happy to play for the UFA Bisons when I did.”