A Winning Experience
For Oil Kings prospects, Raphael Pelletier, Tyler Horstmann, Sebastian Cossa, Logan Dowhaniuk and Jake Neighbours the opportunity to represent their respective provinces at the 2017 WHL Cup was an experience they won’t soon forget.
“It has refocused my efforts to be an elite hockey player,” said Oil Kings prospect, Logan Dowaniuk. “It was a great experience to work with some of the best players from Alberta and to learn different coaching styles in a fast-paced environment.”
The second round 2017 draft pick played alongside Oil Kings Raphael Pelletier, selected 48th overall in the third round of the 2017 WHL Draft, Sebastian Cossa, selected 36th overall in the second round and the Oil Kings first overall selection in the 2017 WHL Draft, Jake Neighbours to represent Team Alberta. Neighbours was named captain of Team Alberta and led all Oil Kings prospects at the tournament with seven points (1G, 6A) finishing the tournament fourth among leading scorers.
“The WHL Cup is one of my greatest accomplishments in my hockey career,” said Neighbours. “It’s an experience that I will never forget.”
Another Oil Kings prospect who had a strong performance at the WHL Cup was forward Tyler Horstmann. Horstmann finished the tournament with five points (0G, 5A) and sat fifth among leading scorers at the tournament. Horstmann represented Team BC, who after a 4-3 overtime victory over Team Alberta captured the title of 2017 WHL Cup Champions.
“Bringing home the gold for BC was such an amazing experience,” said Horstmann. “All of the guys and the coaching staff really grew close after our second loss of the tournament and from there we began to pick up momentum which eventually led us to victory.”
In addition to Dowhaniuk and Neighbours, Oil Kings prospects Raphael Pelletier and Sebastian Cossa also suited up for Team Alberta. Pelletier finished the tournament with three points (1G, 2A) and felt he walked away having learnt a lot over the course of the tournament.
“Playing against some great players and teams was a really valuable experience,” said Pelletier. “Both my teammates and coaches taught me a lot. It’s a week that I will never forget.”
Fellow Oil Kings prospect, Sebastian Cossa stood between the pipes for Team Alberta stopping 60 of 68 shots on goal on the tournament.
“I was honoured to represent Alberta at the tournament,” said Cossa. “The coaches were excellent and I made some lifelong friendships with some of the guys on my team.”
Now, the five prospects will look to take what they learnt from their experience at the WHL Cup and apply it to their respective teams this season. A truly invaluable experience that none of these young players will ever forget.
