Three local prospects drafted to the WHL

The forward from Meadow Lake spent most of the season playing with the U15 AA North West Stars in North Battleford. In 22 games with the Stars, Turberfield had 36 points (21G-15A) this season. He moved up and played seven games with the Battlefords AAA Stars, but was held pointless. Still, he believed the higher level let him play the physical aspect of his game a little more.

“I played rough and from my league, I couldn’t really play as much roughness as I could up there. So, I just stuck to my game, played rough and tried to pot some goals, but didn’t go that way, but it’s all right.”

Coming from a small town, Turberfield takes pride in representing his roots.

“Not a lot of people from small towns get drafted, but it’s going to be really exciting. I’m really proud to represent Meadow Lake and all the coaches that helped me to get there.”

Growing up in Canada and being drafted to a team in the United States can be daunting, but Turberfield is excited for the opportunity.

“I’m fine with whoever will take me. I just really want to play at the next level and then get better through there to maybe go even higher, and I think Portland’s a really good organization for me to help me grow.”

Kai Genereaux – Meadow Lake

A 6’1 defenceman, Genereaux was drafted to the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 6th round with the 120th overall pick from Calgary Edge School U15 prep.

“It’s an awesome accomplishment, especially coming from Meadow Lake, such a small community and getting drafted to the WHL, I’m really proud of it,” said Genereaux.

Being a student athlete at Edge School Prep, Genereaux said that he learned resilience the most in his time there.

“We have a tight schedule, and I make sure to do as much as I can whenever I have the chance. I need to make the most out of it wherever I go.”

As he moves towards the next level, Genereaux is trying to keep a balanced headspace.

“Something my dad always says is victim, victor. It means victim, don’t feel sorry for yourself. Then victor…means do what you can and prove yourself so that you can be better.”

Not getting too high on yourself and staying humble is a quality that Genereaux possesses well, according to his head coach at Edge School prep, James Poole.

“Very grounded kid that’s good mannered, very respectful. Treated every teammate, every staff member at the school the same way,” said Poole, who mentioned that personality type could pay dividends down the road.

“Everybody that’s ever encountered Kai, I think has got great things to say about him. That definitely resonates with scouts. I think when you look at players and project how their future is going to be when you know he’s a very coachable, great kid, good teammate, great for your culture…I mean, it only shines good on him and his family.”

Poole described Genereaux as a “hard-nosed, gritty defender.”

“Really hard to play against. I’m passionate about playing in my defensive zone. I get pucks moving up quickly, I’m efficient on the penalty kill. I’m hard to play against in the corner, I’m a very physical defenceman and I’m really passionate for the game.”

Alex Kowalyk – Battleford

Kowalyk was drafted to the Regina Pats in the ninth round of the draft with the 207th overall pick.

“They got a pretty bright future coming up there, and I think it’s pretty special,” said Kowalyk.

Like Turberfield, Kowalyk spent most of his time with the U15AA North West Stars before joining the Battlefords AAA Stars for the ladder portion of the season.

Kowalyk had 52 points (23G-29A) in 27 games with the Stars before joining the AAA Stars, socring a goal in six games played.

The winger mentioned that in his time with the teams, he has learned to keep the pressure off him and keep things light.

“I feel like lots of times kids put too much pressure on themselves. So, this year really helped me kind of just loosen up a little bit and just play hockey to have fun,” he said. “That’s the reason I play. So, I just go out there and try and have fun and just enjoy myself and that’s when I play my best.”

Being drafted by one of the WHL’s Saskatchewan teams, Kowalyk is excited for the opportunity to stay relatively close to his family.

“Just being able to see them, I think that’ll help me off the ice mentally and then obviously that corresponds to playing better on the ice too.”

Kowalyk mentioned that there’s a lot of good hockey in the local area, so it’s great to represent it.

“Just get some recognition with WHL and some other junior leagues is pretty big for the city of Battleford.”

Describing himself as a complete 200-foot player, Kowalyk is ready for the next level.

“I think I’m pretty versatile. I can play in really any position a coach needs me to, whether that’s power play, penalty kill or scoring a big goal at the end of the game,” he said.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. I still got tons of work to put in, it adds something to work for in the future and just like in the back of my mind when I’m training, I got something to do it for, and it just pushes me every day now.”

The following players from the area were also drafted.

Brady Leinenweber, Kerrobert, SK – drafted round 2, pick 25 to the Swift Current Broncos

Landon Reschny, Macklin, SK – drafted round 7, pick 149 to the Vancouver Giants

Klay Weber, Edam, SK – drafted round 9, pick 192 to the Regina Pats

A total of 33 players from Saskatchewan were drafted to the WHL this draft.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Three local prospects drafted to the WHL

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