Suiting up on home ice

Times Editor

 

The UFA Bisons bring in 20 of the best triple-A midget hockey players from the drawing area to Strathmore on a regular basis. 

For a couple of players donning the Bisons silks this fall, the drive to the arena isn’t very far.

Strathmore natives Markson Bechtold and Connor McCallum are thrilled with the opportunity to play for the club they grew up admiring as youngsters.

“I’ve waited a couple of years (to put on the jersey), but it’s nice to finally (make the team) in my third year of midget,” said McCallum. “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve watched them play, so it was pretty cool to finally be the big boys in town. There is a lot of pressure on us to do good (for) the town.”

According to McCallum, his number one goal for the year is to help the team win. A more personal goal for the gritty playmaker is to get as many points as he can.

“I like to use my size and find ways to get the puck to the net,” said McCallum. “I need to find ways to put the puck in the net.”

According to Bisons head coach Jeremy Friesen, McCallum has the size and strength to be an influential member of the club.

“Connor is a guy that we identified early on in our camp,” said Friesen. “He’s obviously big and has great size, (but) with that, he can also skate. With Conner, the thing that we’re going to challenge him on is a confidence thing. It’s not that he doesn’t have it – we need to empower and encourage him to realize that he does belong here and he can be an impact player.

“He’s a guy we see as a late bloomer that has a ton of room to grow – we’re going to push and demand that out of him throughout the season.

“He’s a player that can play in all situations – he can be a very effective shutdown player and at the same time, has the capability to put the puck in the net and score the big goals when you need it.”

Friesen and the rest of the coaching staff are also thrilled to have returning-player Bechtold back in the lineup.

Despite playing with the team last year, there is still the energy and excitement to be part of the storied franchise.

“It’s definitely an honour putting on that jersey,” said Bechtold. “Growing up, I used to always come and watch the Bisons. It’s kind of different – the little kids are watching me play, so it’s obviously an honour and a responsibility that come with that.”

Despite being one of the last cuts with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs as a 16-year-old, Bechtold is thrilled to be back in familiar surroundings.

“It’s good to be back – obviously I wanted to make my junior team, but I’m happy to be back and it should be a good year,” said Bechtold. “I know the coaches and their expectations for me and the team. Last year we had a lot of 17-year-olds and they took a lot of the workload. This year we don’t have that many (old players), so coming back, I want to be a big player for us and help the team whatever way I can.”

According to Bechtold, one of the goals he has set going into the season is to be one of the top point producers in the league.

Friesen definitely sees the potential for Bechtold to achieve his goals.

“He had a solid year for us last year as a 15-year-old,” said Friesen. “He brings a tremendous work ethic. He’s got a ton of skill that I think is relatively untapped. We look him as a guy who can step in and fill a leadership role for us, so we (need him) to be a leader on and off the ice. 

“As of right now he is a solid, two-way player that has a lot of room to grow on the offensive side of the puck. He’s a big, strong kid that can usually get where he wants to go. He has the ability to be a very special player for us.”