CANORA - The Saskatchewan and Manitoba junior hockey leagues joined forces recently to hold a showcase event in Winnipeg.
Two Yorkton Terriers took part in the event; Clay Sleeva (originally of Canora) and Dylan Ruptash.
“I was pretty honoured to be selected... To represent the Terriers there,” said Sleeva.
“It felt really good in my first year in the league to get the opportunity to represent the team,” said Ruptash, adding “It was a great experience... It was a great week.”
The game, while an all-star format with wins and losses meaning little, it was still hockey played for pride and to showcase skills.
“It was really fast,” said Sleeva.
As for college scouts watching, the two Terriers said while they were aware more eyes were likely on the action than usual, it wasn’t something they wanted to think about too much.
“You try not to think about it, but it’s kind of always in the back of your mind,” said Sleeva, adding he tried to take the position “you’re just there to show what you can do.”
“Obviously you know they were there and watching,” echoed Ruptash, adding “I just tried to set that aside and played my game.”
That said Ruptash said he did get some interest too.
“I talked to a couple of scouts after the second game,” he said, adding, “It feels good to know your hard work is paying off.”
In terms of the action, Sleeva said he was satisfied with what he did on the ice, especially being lined up with guys that he had only seen in opposition jerseys before the showcase.
“I thought I played pretty well,” he said.
But for Sleeva, the All Star nod isn’t the only recognition he has received recently. The Canora native has been named the Terriers nominee for the RBC Community Ambassador team.
According to the sjhl.ca website, for the fifth year, RBC partnered with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to highlight league’s athletes making positive differences in the communities where they play. One player from each SJHL team, who has shown exemplary commitment to their community and demonstrated exemplary leadership both on and off the ice, was named to the 12-member RBC Community Ambassador team. Each Ambassador is celebrated at an RBC Game Night and will be honoured by a donation from RBC to a school in their local community.
Sleeva is scheduled to be honoured on March 4 when the Terriers host Melville.
“I’m very proud to be nominated for this award,” he said. “I have always worked hard at all my activities and tried to be a positive influence/role model. I am very thankful to the league and my coaches for allowing me to be part of this program.”
Being a member of the Terriers is an opportunity that Sleeva does not take for granted.
“I think it’s important to be active in the community because many, many people look up to us! It’s a big role playing for the Terriers and the town is behind us at all times, so giving back to and connecting with the community is extremely important.”
He has become involved in many aspects of the local community, including volunteering at youth practices and going skating with youth who don’t play hockey but would like to learn the sport and play locally.
“I have talked to youth before, during, and after Terrier games, and skated with the seventh man at games. I participated, with my team, in a Walk for World Mental Health Day, have gone trick-or-treating with youth in and around the Yorkton communities, and have tried very hard to represent the Yorkton Terriers proudly. I like to meet and visit with community members. I also hold a part-time job at a feedlot south of Yorkton.”
Sleeva points to his early days as a player in the Canora Minor Hockey Association as having “a huge influence on me. I wouldn’t have started playing for the Terriers if it wasn’t for Canora. I always had fun and always had a team on which to play, with great coaches and great competition. All my coaches showed me the value of community involvement.”
He encourages young players to be active and get out in the community when the opportunity presents itself. “Don’t think it’s cool to not be in community activities. Be the one that stands out and enjoy it because it doesn’t last forever. Community work is extremely important and rewarding.”
“Keep working hard and enjoy what you do!” added Sleeva. “Savour every moment because you never know who you might influence. I thank God for all the opportunities he has blessed me with and for the chance to be part of the community of Yorkton and surrounding areas.”
Written with files from Calvin Daniels, Yorkton This Week
