Former Bison Wells inks college deal with River Hawks

By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter

One of the most complete centres from the CFR Chemicals Bisons final season inked a college deal last week.
Blake Wells, who is gearing up for his second full season with the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), announced his commitment last week to the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell River Hawks.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to go to the States and experience their culture,” said the 19-year-old Wells. “Being so close to Boston is going to be great to see all those sights as well.”
Last season, Wells produced in a bottom-six role to the tune of 10 goals and 14 assists in 49 games.
It was those stats, his 6-foot frame, his ability to play both ends of the ice and in every situation made him an intriguing prospect for the River Hawks.
Even with all those tools, it still helps to know someone on the inside.
Juliano Pagliero has known Wells for a while now, dating back to Wells’ time with the Bisons. The two would chat in the hallways of the Family Centre, as Wells compiled 13 goals and 14 assists in 31 games during the 2016-17 season.
Pagliero was an assistant coach at Colgate University. This summer, Pagliero jumped on board with UMass and he made sure to bring in a familiar face.
“We were in contact before this year and caught up every couple of months. It wasn’t anything serious,” said Wells. “Then, once he got the job at UMass, we began talking daily until we were able to work something out.
Wells will make his way to campus starting next season, as he hopes to help lead a younger Oilers squad back to the AJHL final this season.
Pagliero won’t be the only familiar face on the River Hawks. Colin O’Neill was on the Oilers two seasons ago when Wells was an affiliated player and will be entering his junior campaign.
Last season, the River Hawks went 17-19 in the Hockey East conference, good enough for seventh. Wells is hoping to return the Hawks to their conference-winning ways of two years ago, when they made their eighth appearance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament.
Away from the ice and the rebuild of the program, Wells will pursue an education in environmental sciences and business, as he sees which career doors open down the road.
“I’ve always loved education and learning new things. I haven’t decided yet which path I want to head down. I figure I have some time to plan that out,” said Wells, who graduated from Strathmore High School in 2017.
Earning a professional contract happens for fewer players in the AJHL than it does for those in the Western Hockey League. So, earning a college scholarship has been Wells’ goal for a few years now and the stress of finding a destination can be burdensome in a player’s final years in the league.
“It’s nice to take a big question mark out of the season. Now I can relax and worry about winning a championship,” said Wells.
That championship could be close to home this year, as the Brooks Bandits are set to host the RBC Cup later this spring. A berth in the RBC Cup would be the perfect end for Wells’ junior career.