One Yorkton product is making quite a name for himself in the WHL.
Turner Ottenbreit was named as captain for the Seattle Thunderbirds last week. This was after spending time training with an NHL team.
Seattle’s general manager Russ Farwell made the announcement on Sept. 21.
“Turner exemplifies what we are looking for in a leader,” said head coach Matt O’Dette in a press release. “He understands our culture and will show the way for our young team. He along with [alternate captains] Nolan [Volcan] and Donovan [Neuls] will provide positive leadership for our group moving forward.”
Ottenbreit spoke to Yorkton This Week after the announcement and said he was definitely excited for his new role.
“It’s always a huge honour any time to be named captain in any organization - let alone one like this,” the defenseman said.
Last year, Ottenbreit helped the Thunderbirds win the WHL championship. It was the first time in the franchise’s history that they won the trophy. Ottenbreit had 32 points in the regular season, and added another nine points in playoffs.
During the 2016-17 season, Ottenbreit was an assistant captain. He said this year, with his new title, he gave some thought to how his role would change.
“It shouldn’t really change what I do personally,” he said. “Just be a teammate to every body, try to get better, have fun while you’re here, and help everyone get better.”
Ottenbreit recalled back to when he was playing hockey in Yorkton, and said he didn’t imagine this kind of success for himself.
“It’s funny looking back,” he said. “It’s pretty surreal, and such a cool experience. I’m proud of what I’ve done so far, and I just want to keep going.”
Ottenbreit played a few seasons of midget AAA in Yorkton before being scooped up by the WHL. He also played as an AP with the Terriers during their 2013-14 RBC cup run.
The future looks bright for the Yorkton star.
Earlier in September, he spent a few weeks training with the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL at their rookie and fall camps.
Otteinbreit said that experience was “awesome.”
“I really enjoyed my time there, and it brought me one step closer to where I want to be. It’s every kid’s dream to play in the NHL,” he said.
He also said it was a huge learning opportunity, as he got to watch veteran NHL players go about their regular training and playing, from an arm’s length away.
The Seattle Thunderbirds started their regular season on Saturday night, and they started out strong with a 4-3 win over the Tri City Americans.
