Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – Growing up in the small town of Boissevain, there isn’t a whole lot to do in the winter.
Most young kids spend their time playing hockey, tobogganing at Lake Adam or begging their parents to take them 45 minutes north to Brandon to watch the Wheat Kings on a Friday night.
For Zach Turner, the Wheat Kings 2nd round pick (31st Overall) in May’s WHL Bantam Draft, hearing his name called by the team he grew up cheering for was a surreal moment.
"It’s an unbelievable feeling," Turner said. "Being so close to my hometown I think it will be so much fun to play for the Wheat Kings someday."
The smooth skating defenseman put up 20 goals and 8 assists for 28 points in 36 games with the Southwest Bantam AAA Cougars last year. He says that despite loving Ivan Provorov as a kid, he tries to model his game after a former Prince Albert Raider.
"I try to play like Josh Morrisey of the Winnipeg Jets," Turner added. "He is a very skilled offensive defenseman that can lead a rush. He makes simple plays and is an all-around good defenseman."
With Wheat Kings Prospects Camp set to open up on Friday afternoon, Turner had a busy week trying to wrap up High School Baseball Zone Playdowns all while trying to get on the ice for some sticks and pucks. However, when push comes to shove he says he knows a handful of the guys he will be skating with this weekend and is looking forward to what’s in store.
"I played the last two seasons with Owen Harris, (Brandon’s 3rd Round Pick) and I have played some spring hockey with Tyson Zimmer (Brandon’s 1st Round Pick). I just want to work hard this weekend and hope that they like what they see."
2019 PROSPECTS CAMP SCHEDULE
Friday May 24th
3:00pm-3:45pm Goalie Session with Tyler Plante
4:00pm-5:30pm Team GOLD Practice
5:45pm-7:15pm Team BLACK Practice
Saturday May 25th
9:00am-10:30am Team BLACK PRACTICE/Power Skating/PEP Session
10:45am-12:15pm Team GOLD PRACTICE/ Power Skating/PEP Session
Sunday May 26th
9:00am – 11:00am Intra-squad Game Westoba Place
