McMaster makes Alberta Cup Team South roster

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

With the Western Hockey League bantam draft approaching, one of the final steps in evaluating talent has taken place, as the coaching staffs of Alberta Cup teams named their rosters last week.
One local product was selected to play for Team South at the ATB Alberta Cup on April 26-30 at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
Siksika’s Anson McMaster was selected by Team South head coach Jamie Steer and his staff.
“I didn’t watch much bantam triple-A this season, but after one weekend camp, it’s clear to see why Anson won the top defenseman award,” said Steer. “He’s a big d-man that can really move. I will have zero problem playing him in any situation: power play, penalty kill or in the final minutes of a game.”
McMaster is a 6-foot-3, 163-pounder and played for the Rocky Mountain Raiders of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League this season.
In 36 games, he lit the lamp 15 times and picked up 24 assists. He also scored once in three playoff games. He also took part in the AMBHL all-star game, playing for Team South Jan. 14 in Okotoks.
“He was one of our strongest go-to players this season. As a big, strong kid, he played in every situation for us as our captain. I’m not surprised that he made this team,” said Raiders head coach Mickey Kluner. “He has a big shot, played a lot on our power play, but is also naturally bigger and stronger than most kids his age. We were able to run him out there against the other team’s top players each game.”
Team South held their selection camp at the Strathmore Family Centre March 25 and 26. The rosters were announced March 29.
“These camps are the first identification stage for the U16 Western Canada Challenge Cup,” said Hockey Alberta senior communications manager Brad Lyon. “The Alberta Cup also provides WHL scouts one final opportunity to look at players before the draft.”
More than 100 skaters signed up for the Strathmore camp; the list was whittled down to a 20-man roster.
“Overall, we were very impressed with the skills and competition level that we saw from the players in Strathmore,” said Team Alberta coordinator for Hockey Alberta, Dustin Moore. “The players were divided into six teams, and worked through positional skill sessions, and then each team played three games. The players are observed on and off the ice to see how they respond to different types of situations.”
McMaster’s teammate on the Raiders, Ethan McKibbin, was also selected to the South roster.
Eight teams will play at the Alberta Cup. Players will also take part in an education seminar hosted by the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Last year, current Foothills CFR Chemicals Bisons Peyton Krebs and Tarun Fizer were members of the South squad that took third place.
The WHL draft will be held May 4, in Calgary, with the Prince Albert Raiders holding the No. 1 pick.