Future can’t come soon enough for Krebs, ICE
If there was one bright spot for the Kootenay ICE at the conclusion of a 12-win 2015-16 Western Hockey League campaign, it was the prospect of selecting first overall at the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft in Calgary.
While there was plenty of debate leading up to the draft, Garnet Kazuik, director of scouting for the ICE, opted to call the name of Peyton Krebs, the 5-foot-11, 162-pound dynamo from Okotoks, Alta.
From there, we fast forward as the 15-year-old Krebs just completed his first WHL training camp with the ICE, eager for a taste of what it will take to make the jump to the WHL when he becomes eligible next season.
“I’ve been waiting all summer for this opportunity to come out and play with Kootenay,” Krebs said during the late stages of training camp last week. “Obviously I can’t make the team this year, but meeting some of the new faces here and getting my bearings [has been good].
“The speed has been a little bit different from bantam. It was good being able to practice and play with some of the guys this summer. It helped me out and they made me feel more comfortable out here.”
After registering an astounding 46 goals and 102 points through 27 games with the Rocky Mountain Raiders of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL) in 2015-16, Krebs’ talent is unquestionable and to put a point of emphasis on his established track record, he showed up to Kootenay ICE training camp and immediately set to blowing the minds of those watching him.
“Peyton, it goes without saying, he’s a superb talent,” said Luke Pierce, head coach of the ICE, at the conclusion of training camp. “Not just that, he’s an extremely dedicated and hard worker. I think he wants to win everything that he does, whether that’s the shift that he’s on or the game that he’s in. Fitness testing – he blew out of the water and that’s a testament. That’s not just raw talent, that’s work ethic and determination.
“When he is a part of our organization, that’s going to spread and it will impact so many other players. What you need to become a championship team is to have that catalyst and I think he brings that.”
Veteran forward Matt Alfaro, a native of Calgary, had the opportunity to skate and train with Krebs in the Calgary area this past summer, so he wasn’t all that surprised to see the youngster come into Kootenay ICE training camp and dazzle during rookie sessions before leaving jaws on the floor with some stunning execution during mixed scrimmages and intrasquad action.
“He’s a good player, there’s a reason why he went first overall,” Alfaro said.
“He’s mature on the ice. He’s quick. He makes good decisions for how young he is. I know when I was that age I wouldn’t be able to make some of the plays he makes. It’s good to have him.”
Unfortunately for the 20-year-old Alfaro, he will have to settle for 2016 pre-season play alongside Krebs as he won’t be around to welcome the future star when he arrives on a full-time basis in 2017-18.
In the meantime, Krebs continues to work at his craft, not content with simply riding the wave of momentum since being drafted first overall in May.
With training camp in the books, Kootenay is set to open its 2016 WHL pre-season Thursday night with a contest against the Prince George Cougars in Kennewick, Wash. There is plenty of anticipation as Krebs is expected to suit up for his first WHL action at some point over the team’s three-game weekend in the Tri-City area.
How he stacks up against some of the bigger, stronger bodies in the WHL will be a true test of the kid’s mettle.
“Obviously with the draft and all, I don’t think that means much,” Krebs said. “You can be a first or second round guy here and you want to make an impression right off the start.
“You want to work hard and show what you can do. Don’t give up – that’s the biggest thing. I want to play here when I’m 16.”
The 2015-16 campaign saw the creative forward earn honours as the AMBHL South Division’s Most Valuable Player and Outstanding Forward. For the 2016-17 season, Krebs will suit up with the Midget AAA CFR Bisons based out of Strathmore, Alta., where he already has his sights set on chasing a championship title.
After facing the Cougars Thursday evening, the ICE take on the Seattle Thunderbirds (Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. PDT) and Portland Winterhawks (Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. PDT) to round out action in Kennewick.
Kootenay closes its pre-season slate with a pair of games in Crowsnest Pass, Alta., going head-to-head with the Lethbridge Hurrricanes (Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. MDT) and Calgary Hitmen (Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. MDT).