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Gerwing is coming off a strong first season with the Battlefords AAA Stars last year, finishing third in team points (35) and second in goals (16) his first season of U18 play. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW/meadowlakeNOW Staff)
The Next Chapter

Meadow Lake’s Gerwing signs with Swift Current Broncos

Sep 12, 2022 | 5:07 PM

Battlefords AAA Stars standout, Dawson Gerwing is one step closer to saddling up with the Swift Current Broncos this season.

The Meadow Lake product recently signed a standard player agreement with the Western Hockey League (WHL) team.

It’s something the just recently-turned 16-year-old called a great opportunity ahead.

“It’s the Western Hockey League and it’s a big deal when you’re growing up,” Gerwing said. “You never really think about maybe one day playing in it, but now it’s almost become a reality, so it would mean a lot to make it.”

First attending four days of rookie camp with the team, Gerwing then advanced to main camp play, highlighting the experience as a good way to get comfortable with his surroundings and work into competing with the more veteran roster players.

“I think it kind of eases you into it, because you start with the rookie camp and you’re just one of the guys out there, and then as you move into main camp you get more of the real players,” he said with a laugh.

“You have to do everything a bit faster out there so the rookie camp just kind of eases you into it, so when you hit main [camp] you know the program a little bit and know what’s happening.”

Adjusting quickly to a new level of play is something Gerwing has shown a penchant for already in recent years.

Despite being limited to just two games his final year of U15 AA with the North West Stars in 2020-21, Gerwing hit the ground running his first year of U18 AAA last year, finishing second on the Stars in goals (16) and tied for third in points (35) in 39 games as a 15-year-old.

His time with the AAAs is an experience Gerwing credits as having played a pivotal role in his development.

“I would say in Battleford what really helped me is that I had a great coach in Dale Grayston,” Gerwing said. “He’s a great coach, great guy, and he really taught me a lot about the game and used me in a lot of situations that maybe in another program I wouldn’t have gotten. It really helped me in terms of development and I had a great season, one I’ll never forget.”

He also said helping with the transition heading into Broncos camp this year, was the time he spent late last season practicing with Swift Current, as an affiliated prospect, after being selected by the team 48th overall in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

“They were making a playoff push at the time, and I’d watch from the sideline, take a rep or two every now and then and just get to see what the level was like, so that was super cool,” the forward said. “It just made me feel a little more comfortable; when you’re going into a new level or a new place you’re always a little nervous or a little unsure, so just having seen it before I think really helped me out a bit.”

Gerwing said as he sets out on this next chapter, he’s just trying to work hard and carve out a role with the team while making the most of the experience.

“I think I can kind of do everything, I play a fast and physical game, I can score, and I’m not afraid of anyone out there, and as a 16-year-old you’re just trying to make an impact any way you can on the team so I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I know I can play at this level, I just have to make it happen and that’s exciting.”

“You have to have fun. There’s no point in playing something if you’re not going to enjoy it while you’re doing it.”

Gerwing and his Broncos teammates will return to pre-season action Tues., Sept. 13 with a neutral-site exhibition game against the Regina Pats, with puck drop at 7 p.m. CDT.

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1