Wheatland Kings roster nearly set for upcoming season

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland Kings have nearly finished finalizing their roster ahead of the new regular season, looming just about a month away. 

“We did a little blitz of signings and we are starting to add some new forwards especially, to the roster,” said Cody Holdaway, general manager for the Kings. “A couple months ago, we acquired Nash Wassing from the Grand Forks Border Bruins; just last week, we were in the process of acquiring Brayden Thurlow from the Merritt Centennials.”

Holdaway added the team will now also feature Jaden Prairie Chicken, hailing from Siksika Nation and previously playing with the Indigenous Sport Academy. 

He explained throughout the recruitment and signing process, the Kings have been scouting for talent originally hailing from approximately the local region from across several outside hockey organizations. 

Strathmore’s own Tripp McArthur has now officially been signed to the Kings after spending time last season as an affiliate player. Prior to beginning his junior hockey experience, he played with the Wheatland Athletics U18AA program. 

Another former affiliate player, Johnny Babkirk, from Okotoks, is now an official member of the Kings roster for the upcoming season. 

“We continue to make marquee signings that are going to be key pieces of our roster going into the season … when you are coming back from Junior A hockey, and the KIJHL, or the BCHC, it is a no-brainer to bring this local talent back home,” said Holdaway. “Lots of new faces this year, definitely some old faces, but overall, we are definitely making improvements to the roster, hopefully push the team to that next step.”

Holdaway added when scouting for potential players, coaches and staff aim to take a holistic approach, observing candidates both on, and off the ice. 

Despite the community responsibilities which come with being a Wheatland King, he added on-ice performance remains the number one priority.

“At this point, effective as of (Aug. 11), we have almost entirely signed our roster for the coming season. We are still looking for a couple more defensemen, but at this point the team is just practicing getting the boys to gel together and meet each other,” he said. “We are definitely really strong on offense this year; it is shaping up to be a really strong offensive year, but we are still working on that defense portion as well.”

For the last two seasons, the Kings have earned themselves first round byes, only to be defeated in the second round.