SEVEN WHL PLAYERS TO SUIT UP FOR TEAM CHERRY

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Kale Clague (D)

#10 Team Cherry

Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Twitter: @KaleClague

Hometown: Lloydminster, AB

Birthday: June 5, 1998   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  177    Shoots:  L

Ranked 22^nd by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘A’)

Season	Team	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2012-13 Regular Season	Lloydminster Heat Bantam	33	35	42	77	44	–
	Lloydminster Bobcats Midget	31	11	22	33	34	–
	Brandon (WHL)	2	0	0	0	0	0
2014-15 Regular Season	Brandon (WHL)	20	4	9	13	6	-1
2015-16 Regular Season	Brandon (WHL)	47	2	17	19	30	9
WHL Totals:		69	6	26	32	36	8

CHL Draft: Brandon’s 1^st round (6^th overall) pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: After injury-shortened 2014-15 campaign, Clague is one of five Wheat Kings to play in all 47 of team’s games so far this season…has recorded four multi-point games, collecting two assists on Oct. 3 at Regina, Oct. 9 vs. Kootenay, Dec. 12 vs. Kelowna and Jan. 23 at Saskatoon…represented the WHL in the 2015 CHL Canada Russia Series, scoring once in two contests.

 

International: Competed in the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording one goal in four games as the captain of Team Canada Black…won gold with Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, scoring one goal in four games.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Lloydminster Blazers Minor Hockey program…says his father Jason, who played for the Red Deer Rebels from 1992-94, has been a big supporter of his development, providing him valuable feedback and advice…has worn the number 10 from a young age and never felt the need to change…enjoys studying history and is intrigued by learning about events that happened before he existed…biggest desire is to play in the NHL, but other major interest is business…favourite NHL player is Erik Karlsson…favourite team is the Chicago Blackhawks…favourite NHL memory was seeing Patrick Kane score the OT winner in the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals…favourite playing memory was making the WHL Finals last spring…enjoys playing baseball…most difficult opponent to play against he has faced is Moose Jaw’s Brayden Point…favourite WHL road arena is the Brandt Centre in Regina…enjoys the music of Justin Bieber…favourite movie is Troy…favourite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio…favourite athlete is basketball player Stephen Curry…minor hockey highlights include winning the Alberta Peewee Provincial Championship, winning the Brick Tournament and being the Captain of his Bantam AAA team…is the son of Jason (business sales) and Juanita (esthetician) Clague…has one sister, Sydney (dental assistant)…uncle Trevor Hanas played five WHL seasons (1991-96) before a brief minor pro career, now scouts for the Portland Winterhawks.

 

Clague describes himself as: Determined, hard-working, humble, leader, teammate

 

NHL Central Scouting says:  “Skating asset is strong; eludes defenders while being checked or starting an offensive play – displays excellent vision when moving the puck, makes solid first pass out of zone – good decision making on when to lead or join the rush – uses his smarts to strip opponents off the puck to gain possession – composed player who makes good choices under pressure.”

Dillon Dube (C)

#19 Team Cherry

Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Hometown: Cochrane, AB

Birthday: July 28, 1998   Ht:  5.10    Wt:  180    Shoots: L

Ranked 35^th by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘B’)

Season	Team	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2012-13 Regular Season	Notre Dame Argos Bantam	26	24	20	44	43	–
2013-14 Regular Season	Notre Dame Argos Midget	44	21	42	63	65	–
2014-15 Regular Season	Kelowna (WHL)	45	17	10	27	12	17
2015-16 Regular Season	Kelowna (WHL)	40	20	26	46	36	11
WHL Totals:		85	37	36	73	48	28

 

CHL Draft: Kelowna’s 1^st round (21^st overall) pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: Second in Kelowna scoring behind teammate Tyson Baillie…recorded career-high four points (2-2—4) on Oct. 17 at Prince George…finished the month of October with 17 points (9-8—17) in 10 games…was named to the Team WHL roster for the 2015 CHL Canada Russia Series but couldn’t compete due to injury…has recorded five two-goal performances this season…enters the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game with points in three of his last four contests.

 

International: Won gold with Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, registering a goal and two assists for three points in four games.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association…says his favourite minor hockey coach was Joby Messier because he taught him all of the little things about the game that make the biggest impact…wears number 19 because his favourite player growing up was Joe Sakic…favourite school subject is history and particularly likes learning about World War II…says his career goal outside of hockey is to work in law enforcement as a detective…favourite NHL player is Patrick Kane…favourite team is the Montreal Canadiens…best NHL memories have been watching the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs in recent years…best playing memory was winning the WHL title last spring and playing in the Memorial Cup…best player he has played against is Winnipeg Jets prospect Nic Petan…favourite WHL road rink is the Moda Center in Portland…favourite musician is Drake…favourite movie is American Sniper…favourite actress is Margot Robbie…favourite athlete is Usain Bolt…minor hockey highlights include winning Bantam and Midget AAA Championships…is the son of Paris (self-employed) and Suzy (teacher) Dube…has one brother, Jake (19) who plays for the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks and is a former draft pick of the Kootenay Ice.

 

Dube describes himself as: Determined, speed, hard-working, skill, team player 

 

NHL Central Scouting says: “Strong skater with good straight away speed – strong on his feet, effective puck protection game –plays a very responsible two way game – good hockey sense to contribute offensively – very good play making ability and good finishing shot – willing to give and take in physical play.”

Noah Gregor (C)

#22 Team Cherry

Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Twitter: @n_gregs20

Hometown: Beaumont, AB

Birthday: July 28, 1998   Ht:  5.11    Wt:  180    Shoots:  L

Ranked 75^th by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘C’)

Season	Team	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2012-13 Regular Season	Leduc Oil Kings Bantam	30	43	25	68	64	–
2013-14 Regular Season	Leduc Oil Kings Midget	35	21	30	51	26	–
2014-15 Regular Season	Moose Jaw (WHL)	10	2	4	6	0	4
2015-16 Regular Season	Moose Jaw (WHL)	48	20	23	43	20	-6
WHL Totals:		58	22	27	49	20	-2

 

CHL Draft: Moose Jaw’s 3^rd round (55^th overall) pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: Third in points among WHL rookies (43)…tied for the WHL lead in powerplay goals (12)…is third in Warriors scoring behind Dryden Hunt and Brayden Point…has scored twice in a game five times this season…recorded a career-high four points (1-3—4) on Nov. 6 at Saskatoon…collected 16 points (9-7—16) in 13 November contests…recent strong performance featured two goals including the game winner in 5-1 win at Calgary on Jan. 22.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Beaumont Minor Hockey Association…credits his father Colin, who played in the WHL from 1987-91 before a brief ECHL career, for always being there to talk about the game and discuss things…favourite school subject is social studies…favourite NHL player is Alexander Ovechkin…favourite team is the Edmonton Oilers…best NHL memory is Edmonton’s 2006 Stanley Cup run…best playing memory was his first WHL overtime goal against Seattle on Nov. 28, 2015…toughest player to play against that he has faced is Prince Albert defenceman Dalton Yorke…favourite WHL road arena is Xfinity Arena in Everett…favourite musicians are Justin Bieber and Drake…favourite movie is Wolf of Wall Street…favourite athlete is basketball player LeBron James…enjoys playing the drums… minor hockey highlights include winning the Alberta Cup in 2013 and leading the AMHL in scoring in 2014…is the son of Colin (business owner) and Elise (teacher) Gregor…has one brother, Liam (19) and one sister, Ava (14).

 

Gregor describes himself as: Tenacious, fast, skilled, quick, smart

 

NHL Central Scouting says:  “Solid two way center with skill and smarts – excellent on the penalty kill; never gives up on a play while back checking and is responsible to stay with his check – battles hard in all areas, strong skater that does a lot of the hard work for line mates.”

Lucas Johansen (D)

#7 Team Cherry

Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Twitter: @LucasJohansen97

Hometown: Port Moody, BC

Birthday: November 16, 1997    Ht:  6.01   Wt:  174   Shoots: L

Ranked 38^th by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘B’)

Season	Team	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2012-13 Regular Season	Vancouver NE Chiefs Midget	40	3	7	10	8	–
2013-14 Regular Season	Vancouver NE Chiefs Midget	40	7	17	24	26	–
2014-15 Regular Season	Kelowna (WHL)	65	1	7	8	16	20
2015-16 Regular Season	Kelowna (WHL)	44	7	19	26	14	9
WHL Totals:		109	8	26	34	30	29

 

CHL Draft: Kelowna’s 6^th round (119^th overall) pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: Leads Rockets defencemen in goals (7) and points (26)…recorded career-high three points (1-2—3) on Jan. 9 vs. Tri-City…has had five multi-point performances this season.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Port Moody Minor Hockey Association…credits his father Randall and his brother Ryan, who is a star centreman with the Nashville Predators, for inspiring him in his hockey endeavors…favourite minor hockey coach was Jamie Jackson who pushed him to become a better player, ultimately helping him improve in several areas of his game…wears the number 7 because his father always wore it when he played…favourite school subject is history…outside of hockey, aspires to become a financial advisor…favourite NHL team is the Detroit Red Wings…favourite hockey memory was seeing his brother Ryan play in his first NHL game…best memory as a player was winning the WHL title last spring…does charitable work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation…most talented player he has ever faced is Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Oliver Bjorkstrand…favourite WHL road arena is the Moda Center in Portland…favourite musician is Eric Church…favourite movie is Casino Royale…favourite actor is Will Ferrell…favourite athlete is UFC Fighter Georges St. Pierre…minor hockey highlights include being named the Port Moody Minor Hockey Player of the Year in second year Bantam…little known fact is that he really enjoys 80’s music…is the son of Randall Johansen (business owner) and Roz Peach (bank teller)…has one brother, Ryan (23), who plays for the Nashville Predators.

 

Johansen describes himself as: Poised, smart, competitive, disciplined, relentless

 

NHL Central Scouting says:  “Good size and strength, developing into solid two way defenseman – good hands and puck skills to manage the play at offensive blue line – excellent short game and passer, good shot from the point – effective game with and without the puck.”

Ty Ronning (RW)

#13 Team Cherry

Vancouver Giants (WHL)

Hometown: Burnaby, BC

Birthday: October 20, 1997    Ht:  5.09    Wt:  165    Shoots:  R

Ranked 82^nd by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘C’)

Season	Team	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2011-12 Regular Season	Burnaby Winter Club Bantam	72	77	76	153	–	–
2012-13 Regular Season	Delta Hockey Academy Midget	12	14	11	25	6	12
2013-14 Regular Season	Vancouver (WHL)	56	9	11	20	4	-8
2014-15 Regular Season	Vancouver (WHL)	24	1	1	2	8	-20
2015-16 Regular Season	Vancouver (WHL)	45	26	15	41	16	-4
WHL Totals:		125	36	27	63	28	-32

 

CHL Draft: Vancouver’s 1^st round (15^th overall) pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: Has bounced back from injury shortened 2014-15 campaign to lead the Giants in goals this season (26)…leads the team in powerplay goals (7)…second in Giants points behind Chase Lang…scored his first WHL hat-trick on Oct. 9 at Regina…scored three goals on Dec. 2 vs. Moose Jaw…had a productive month of December with 13 points (8-5—13) in 12 games…enters the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on a four-game point streak that has produced five goals, three assists and eight points.

 

International: Competed in the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring two goals, two assists and four points in six games with Team Pacific.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Burnaby Winter Club Hockey program…says his father Cliff, who is a retired 19-year NHL veteran, has been his biggest inspiration as a player…says his favourite minor hockey coach was John Batchelor because he believed instilled confidence and taught how to play the game the right way…wears the number 7 because his father Cliff also wore it throughout his NHL career…favourite school subject is biology because it enables him to better understand how his body works as an athlete…nickname is ‘Cliffy’…favourite NHL player is Johnny Gaudreau…favourite team is the Chicago Blackhawks…most vivid NHL memory was riding the Zamboni at a Nashville Predators game on his sixth birthday…favourite memory as a player was scoring the first goal in the annual Teddy Bear Toss Game on Dec. 18, 2015 vs. Everett…has spent time with various charities such as the Salvation Army, Lace Up for Leukemia and the Golden Hearts Rescue Society…also played lacrosse and soccer growing up…most difficult player to go up against has been Seattle’s Mathew Barzal…favourite WHL road arena is Rexall Place in Edmonton…enjoys the music of Michael Buble…favourite movie is Friday Night Lights…favourite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio…favourite pro athlete is boxer Floyd Mayweather…career highlight was being named Giants Rookie of the Year in 2014…little known fact is that he can do a backflip off the ground…is the son of Cliff (retired NHL player) and Ivana (wedding cake designer) Ronning…has three sisters, Taryn (27) who is a professional makeup artist, Kristin (23) who is a singer/songwriter and Carly (12).

 

Ronning describes himself as: Dedicated, hard-working, competitive, competent, focused      

 

NHL Central Scouting says:  “Smart and skilled player with very good hands – among the top goal scorers in the WHL – very good shot with a quick release – willing to go to the dirty areas to score goals – strong on his feet and can protect the puck well – very good vision and play making ability – high compete level.”

Zach Sawchenko (G)

#31 Team Cherry

Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Twitter: @Chunko_31

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Birthday: December 30, 1997   Ht:  6.00    Wt:  179   Catches: L

Ranked 3^rd by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘B’)

Season	Team	GP	GA	Mins	GAA	SV%	W	L	OTL	SOL	SO
2011-12	Calgary Royals Bantam	–	–	–	1.47	.944	–	–	–	–	–
2012-13	Notre Dame Argos Midget	27	–	–	3.42	.896	–	–	–	–	–
2013-14	Moose Jaw (WHL)	26	76	1257	3.63	.885	9	13	0	1	0
2014-15	Moose Jaw (WHL)	49	152	2745	3.32	.896	21	22	2	0	4
2015-16	Moose Jaw (WHL)	32	88	1897	2.78	.921	18	9	3	1	1
WHL Totals:		107	316	5899	3.21	.902	48	44	5	2	5

 

CHL Draft: Moose Jaw’s 2^nd round (33^rd overall) pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: Went undefeated in regulation for eight games to start the season until Oct. 24 at Swift Current…went 6-1-0-1 with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in the month of October…represented the WHL in the 2015 CHL Canada Russia Series…recorded a 35-save shutout on Dec. 27 at Swift Current…has had a strong month of January, going 5-1-1-0 with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.

 

International: Won silver with Team Pacific at the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording a 2.40 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage over five games…won bronze with Canada at the 2014 World Under-18 Hockey Championship, recording a 3.61 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage over five games…won gold with Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording a 2.25 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage over four games.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Bow River and Glenlake Minor Hockey Associations…says David Marcoux has been the most influential person over his hockey career, pushing him to be his best and being there to help every step of the way…says Peewee coach Mike Moore was his best minor hockey coach, showing him what it took to win every night…wears number 31 because of Carey Price…favourite school subject is English as he enjoys writing in his spare time…was the Warriors’ Scholastic Player of the Year in 2014… favourite team is the Calgary Flames…superstitions include taping his stick and taking a nap before every game…best hockey memory is the Flames Stanley Cup run in 2004…favourite memory as a player was winning his first WHL start at the age of 14 against Swift Current on Aug. 28, 2012…considers Auston Matthews to be the most talented player he has faced…favourite WHL road arena is the Saddledome in Calgary…favourite band is Florida Georgia Line…favourite actors are Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell…minor hockey highlights include three league titles and a pair of provincial championships…is fully bilingual…is the son of Greg Sawchenko (landman) and Chantal Cyr…has one sister, Kayla (16).

 

Sawchenko describes himself as: Driven, committed, compete, hard-working, fun

 

NHL Central Scouting says: “A very quick, athletic goalie – plays with focus and determination to hold his ground – strong stance and powerful leg drive when moving laterally – excellent east/west play – great butterfly coverage to seal the ice and protect the five hole – sets square to shots and he plays out to the top of the paint on initial shots –  able to make the key saves to either hold the lead or keep his team in the game – strong recovery skills and scramble ability – never gives up on a play.”

Sam Steel (C)

#23 Team Cherry

Regina Pats (WHL)

Twitter: @ssteel23

Hometown: Sherwood Park, AB

Birthday: February 3, 1998   Ht:  5.11    Wt:  177    Shoots:  L

Ranked 29^th by NHL Central Scouting Midterm (Preliminary ‘A’)

Season	Team	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2012-13 Regular Season	Sherwood Park Flyers Bantam	31	52	52	104	16	–
	Sherwood Park Squires MM	3	5	3	8	0	–
2013-14 Regular Season	Sherwood Park Kings Midget	14	7	16	23	8	–
	Sherwood Park Crusaders Jr.A	1	0	0	0	0	–
	Regina (WHL)	5	0	0	0	0	0
2014-15 Regular Season	Regina (WHL)	61	17	37	54	16	10
2015-16 Regular Season	Regina (WHL)	48	17	28	45	14	-3
WHL Totals:		114	34	65	99	30	7

 

CHL Draft: Regina’s 1^st round (2^nd overall) pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

 

This season: Second in Pats scoring behind Adam Brooks…has recorded three points three times this season, including on Oct. 13 at Medicine Hat (1-2—3), Nov. 11 vs. Red Deer (1-2—3) and Jan. 9 at Spokane (2-1—3)…scored twice on Jan. 23 vs. Prince Albert…enters the 2016 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game with nine points (6-3—9) so far in the month of January.

 

International: Competed in the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, recording a goal, two assists and three points in five games for Team Canada Black…won gold with Canada at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, recording a goal, two assists and three points in four games.

 

Personal: Grew up playing in the Strathcona and Sherwood Park Hockey Associations…his father Larry was his favourite minor hockey coach because he inspired him to be the best at his game and always supported him…favourite school subject is biology…career aspirations are to become a doctor…favourite NHL player is Sidney Crosby…favourite team is the Edmonton Oilers…best NHL memory was watching the Edmonton Oilers 2006 Stanley Cup run…most memorable playing experience was competing in the 2015 WHL playoffs…the most talented opponent he has faced is Moose Jaw’s Brayden Point…his favourite WHL road arena is Spokane…favourite musician is Kendrick Lamar…favourite movies are The Shawshank Redemption and Django Unchained…favourite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio…favourite athlete is basketball player LeBron James…is the son of Larry (contractor) and Sharon (teacher) Steel…has one sister, Katie (22) and one brother, Patrick, who passed away four years ago.

Steel describes himself as: Aware, skilled, dynamic, responsible, exciting

NHL Central Scouting says: “Excellent skater with breakaway speed – displays high level vision to match top end skill set – quick read and react game – set’s up teammates as well as any play maker in the WHL – heads up player in all zones, quick to cause turnovers and scoring chances on the penalty kill – not physical, but doesn’t back away in a physical game.”

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