U16 CHALLENGE CUP TEAMS COMPLETE WHL COMBINE
Calgary, AB – The 2015 U16 Challenge Cup WHL Combine took place Tuesday at the Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary. The Combine featured Team BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba conducting various on-ice and off-ice testing ahead of the 2015 U16 Challenge Cup.
It’s great for a lot of these kids. Some of them it’s there second or third time,” said Jonathan Holland when referring to the WHL Combine testing ahead of the 2015 U16 Challenge Cup. “I think we’re looking at the cream of the crop with the future of the Western Hockey League”
Holland went on to mention that this testing is good to help amateur scouts identify top-tier talent.
“It shows the athleticism of these athletes and helps to identify their weaknesses so they can be strengthened. These tests help identify the cream of the crop and see who is amongst the top level talent.”
The 2015 U16 Challenge Cup WHL Combine saw all four teams participate in various tests on the ice and off the ice. The Combine allowed the players to get some preparation ahead of the tournament.
“Well, overall it was a good day for the players to get here ahead of the tournament and accustomed to the arena,” said Kirt Hill, WHL Senior Manager of Player Development. “It’s good for them to get on the ice and get competitive right away. From there, we have the ability to see how they rank against their piers all across Western Canada.”
Hill also stated that he sees this testing being conducted at future U16 events.
“I think at this level we will see more testing in future years to come. Definitely it’s something we’d like to continue doing at future U16 events and as well as the U15 level across Western Canada.”
Saskatchewan goaltender Lance Alm stated that the testing was both challenging and competitive.
“It wasn’t too bad. Once you got into it, the testing was fine,” said Alm in regards to the testing. “It’s always a challenge trying to beat the other guys, even your own team mates for trying to get the higher score. You can’t help but try to beat everyone.”
The fifth edition of the 2015 U16 Challenge Cup is set to begin on Wednesday, October 28th at the Markin MacPhail Centre with the four Western Canadian provinces set to battle for a gold medal win.
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