Keaton Verhoeff Shines in WHL Debut
Tuesday night marked a significant milestone for Keaton Verhoeff as he made his Western Hockey League debut with the Royals, showcasing his skills and leaving a lasting impression on fans and coaches alike. Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, this 15-year-old defenseman continues to impress in the hockey world.
Verhoeff, currently playing for the U18 RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna, had an impressive debut with a +1 rating for the Royals on Tuesday against the Thunderbirds. His journey to this point has been well-documented, with the young talent boasting 4 goals and 12 assists for a total of 16 points in just 11 games in his current academy season.
Drafted fourth overall by the Royals in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Verhoeff’s enthusiasm for the sport is palpable. Reflecting on his debut, he shared, “It was a great experience. Obviously going out there for the rookie lap while everyone was booing was kind of funny.” This lighthearted approach to the game, coupled with his evident passion, bodes well for his future in the sport of hockey.
Despite his young age, Verhoeff exudes maturity both on and off the ice. When asked about his reaction to being recalled by the Royals, he said, “I was pretty pumped. I was in science class. My teacher almost didn’t let me take the call either. But overall, super excited. Obviously, it’s a big opportunity. I just want to come up to Victoria and make the most of my opportunity.”
Verhoeff’s on-ice philosophy for his debut revolved around simplicity. He emphasized, “I think I wanted to just play as simply as possible, to make sure I’m not doing too much because that can lead to bad things. So I just tried to make a simple play on the ice and join the rush if I could.”
One unique aspect of Verhoeff’s development is his association with NHL legend Jarome Iginla, who coaches at the Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna. Speaking about this invaluable mentorship, Verhoeff said, “He helps me focus on some unique little skills. But I mean, he helps everywhere to grow as a player as he knows so much about the game. He’s helped me with my shot, my skating, and when to jump at the right time which is really helpful in the game.”
The young defenseman acknowledges the progress he’s made in recent months, stating, “I think in the last couple of months I’ve taken some big strides. It’s taken some time to adjust to being a player, and I think I still have a lot of adjustments to be made. But I think it’s been going well. I think it’s just about focusing on those and working hard in practice and making sure I’m doing everything with a purpose.”
Royals Head Coach James Patrick emphasized his praise for Verhoeff in his debut, noting, “It was very impressive. I just thought he looked so comfortable. I thought he and Kipkie played really well together. He made some really good plays, a lot of poise, a lot of battle, and of course a lot of size. He can really pass the puck, which is so important for defensemen. So I thought it was very impressive overall.”
As Verhoeff continues to carve his path in the world of hockey, his blend of skill, composure, and determination suggests a promising future.
Verhoeff and the Royals will continue their five-game road swing tomorrow night as they pay a visit to the Prince George Cougars.
Interview conducted by Marlon Martens
