Kings ink local talent

By Tyler Lowey, Times Reporter

The Strathmore Wheatland Kings strengthened their local roots with a trio of signings last week.
After signing three local coaches to assist Joel Robinson this season, the Kings inked Zach Suntjens, A.J. Kusu and Riley Stovka out of the Wheatland Athletic Association program.
“The biggest thing for me is being a local team and bringing the community together,” said Kings Head Coach Robinson. “We want to make an even stronger connection with the kids in double-A and the kids playing triple-A out in Okotoks. We want them to know that they have a local option here for them where they can come be a big part of the program.”
Kusu and Suntjens got the call up to the Heritage Junior Hockey League towards the end of last season and even appeared in the final playoff game for the Kings against the High River Flyers.
“It really helped my decision to sign with the Kings after playing as an affiliated player for them last year. The team was always positive despite being in a playoff hole and they stuck together,” said Kusu. “It was also great to get a taste for a different playoff structure from what I am used to.”
Coming up through the AA program, Kusu, Stovka and Suntjens were key contributors on the 2016-17 provincial champion Chiefs. This year, in 35 games for the Chiefs, Kusu amassed six goals and 11 assists as a forward.
On the back end, Suntjens spent three seasons with the Chiefs, totaling 16 goals, 34 assists and 50 points.
“They’ll do just fine making the jump to junior hockey,” said Chiefs Head Coach Matt Gass. “They were top end players with us last year and they will adjust fine to the next level. I think the league caters to their skill set quite well which will help the transition.”
Jayden Hendricks was one of the top players on the Chiefs last year, scoring 14 goals. He also debuted with the Kings, appearing in five games and scoring a pair of goals. Robinson said he has been in touch with Hendricks but understands that his commitment to the University of Lethbridge next season is more important and will leave the door open for him further down the road.
Robinson also plans to leave the door open for Chiefs leading scorer Lucas Muenchrath, who has aspirations of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League next season.
“I have been in contact with those guys and a couple other guys from the program and the Okotoks program,” said Robinson. “They are still making decisions on what to do for next year, but I have told them all that we would love to bring them in if they decide to be part of the program next year.”
The signings of three local players helps address each zone of the ice, as Stovka will hop into the circle and compete for time in the blue ice.
Last season, Calum Humble joined the Kings halfway through. He eventually won the starting job and faced more than 40 shots on several occasions.
High shot volumes don’t intimidate Stovka the slightest.
“The guys are older, so they are going to have harder, more accurate and better shots,” said Stovka. “I’ve always liked facing more shots anyways. It gets me warm in the game and helps my development as a goalie.”
Humble is rumoured to be enrolled in the University of Alberta this fall, which would open the door for Stovka, Indiana Kelly, Cole Bright or any other goalie.
Two seasons ago, Kelly started the season as the third-string netminder but won the starting role once Brady Hoover was sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Last year, inconsistent play saw him back up Humble in the playoffs.
“I’m not coming into next year expecting to start or anything. I am going to come in and battle for minutes and go with whatever they give me,” said Stovka, who will be attending the University of Calgary next fall.
In 20 games with the Chiefs last season, Stovka went 9-7-3 with a .880 save percentage and a 3.44 goals against average.
These three Chiefs join a dressing room that already features former Chiefs such as Chayse Hnatowich, Cole Busslinger and Kody Hammond. The three signings played with Hnatowich two years ago, while Kusu and Suntjens played alongside newly named Assistant Coach Ryan Grasdahl in the playoffs last season.
“I think it definitely helps already knowing some of the guys in the room,” said Kusu. “It allows you to focus on your game and what you need to do. It’s a lot more comfortable that way.”
The Kings are hoping to sign more local players this summer before their training camp kicks off later in August.