Rookie RawTec Mauler forward Brett Kemp is off to a strong start to the 2015/16 SMAAAHL season.
Kemp – a first-year midget player – has 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points through 26 games this season to sit in tenth place in league scoring at the Christmas break.
The 31-point total is also the highest total for any SMAAAHL rookie, five more than the second highest rookie scorer (Carson Focht, Regina). “It’s great. I didn’t really expect to put up numbers like that so quickly, but I’m happy to be able to,” said the 15-year-old Kemp, adding that although he’s putting up strong numbers he’s also the beneficiary of some talented linemates. “I was playing with (Derrick) Budz and (Damian) Bentz at the start of the year and they’re great guys, great players.
“Then we changed some stuff up when Carson Miller got hurt and now I’m playing with the two Taphorn brothers (Keenan and Kaedan) and all four guys are great players and I have to credit them with my success as well.”
Kemp - who was taken in the second round, 41st overall in last years’ WHL Bantam Draft by the Everett Silvertips – said that because of his play this season the Silvertips have been keeping a very close eye on him. “They’ve been talking to me all season,” offered the talented rookie forward. “They came out to a couple of our games so far this year and they’re going to be at the Mac’s, so hopefully I can continue playing good there.”
But while continuing his strong season is definitely something he’s looking forward to doing after the Christmas break, Kemp feels that as long as the team continues to succeed, his personal stats mean very little. “It’s a pleasure to put up good numbers, but the team comes first,” said the Yorkton native. “If the team is winning then I must be doing something right by contributing to that win and that’s what is important to me.”
