Former local hockey player prepares for Alberta Cup
By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter
Photo Courtesy of Ken Quebec
The former peewee Brave (2015-16) and bantam Warrior (2016-17) was the only one from those teams to be named to Team South for the 25th annual bantam Alberta Cup.
“Matthew was one of the leaders on the bench at the camps. He was always positive, talking to other players and encouraging them. That really stood out to us,” said Team South Head Coach Marian Gmitter. “He also is a really good player that hardly makes any mistakes. He has skill and patience with the puck that is unbelievable for a kid his age.
“We are looking for him to be a leader in the tournament, to bring his game to the next level and prove to everyone that he can play at the top level in Alberta.”
The tryout process for each of the eight zones began March 23 and lasted the duration of the weekend, as kids from the south region – which stretches from Taber to Pincher Creek, and from Medicine Hat to Okotoks – were split up into four teams and competed against one another in a series of scrimmages, while working out off the ice and holding one skills session on the ice.
In the camps, Warrior and Brave alums Corey Ross, Brayden Ledrew, Trey Gillis and Dylan Fries Abel joined Quebec. Gleichen product Alex Pagenkopf was also in attendance.
But Quebec was the only player who received an invite to the tournament, which kicks off April 25 and lasts until April 29 at Grant Fuhr Arena in Spruce Grove.
The defenceman Quebec has big shoes to fill, as the South enter the tourney as the defending champions, having won the tournament last year led by former WAA players Kyle Crnkovic, Anson McMaster and Ethan McKibbin.
“There’s going to be a little pressure on us as defending champions; it’s a new team for the most part but it should be fun,” said Quebec. “There’s also going to be some pressure playing in front of all those scouts.”
The Alberta Cup serves as the last great opportunity for WHL coaches and scouts to get a close, in-depth look at young Alberta talent, with the WHL Bantam Draft less than a month away.
Crnkovic turned out to be the 10th overall selection in last year’s draft by the Saskatoon Blades, and McMaster was taken with the first pick in the second round by the Kootenay Ice.
This year, the Edmonton Oil Kings own the first-overall pick, followed by the Ice, with the Prince Albert Raiders selecting third.
“I don’t really follow the WHL that much. If I get selected, it will be a big step in my career and a chance to take my game to the next level,” said Quebec. “I would definitely be happy about it.”
Hearing his name called in May would be a fitting way to end another difficult season on the ice.
“Matt went through a bit of a rough season with us this year and battled some injuries. If he was able to stay healthy, he could have easily helped us get four or five more wins and that would have been enough to put us in a playoff spot,” said Oilers Head Coach Mike Glawson. “Even through all that, Matt is the player I get asked about the most by WHL teams after games.”
In his first year in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League. Quebec went 9-23-4 in the Ram South division with the Okotoks Oilers.
Still, in 23 games, the blueliner posted a pair of goals and seven assists to go with 30 penalty minutes.
“It’s not that fun to do all that losing, but you can still learn a lot in those seasons, grow close with the guys on the team and develop as a hockey player,” said the 6-foot, 155-pound Quebec.
On the ice, Quebec will not light up the scoreboard, at least not yet.
“Matt doesn’t have a super flashy game. He does stuff well like make a good first pass and plays a simple game. What WHL teams like about him is his mean streak. He can play a nasty game and has an intimidation factor on the ice. He had the respect of the rest of the league as someone that is hard to play against,” said Glawson. “He still carries a heavy shot from the point, but he is most valuable in his own end.”
Quebec isn’t the only player with local ties on Team South. Defenceman Dru Krebs is the younger brother of Peyton Krebs, who spent one season with the Foothills CFR Chemical Bisons and is now one of the more promising prospects for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Reid Hnatowich, the older brother of Chayse, who just finished up his rookie campaign with the Strathmore Wheatland Kings of the Heritage Junior Hockey League, will coach Dru and Quebec.
Team South opens the Alberta Cup April 26 (11:30 a.m.) against Calgary South.