As the Winkler Flyers get ready for the unofficial second half of the season, the club has announced their leadership group for the remainder of the season. Head Coach Ken Pearson has given 20 year old forward Patrice Wren the Captain “C”, while Tristan Keck, Reid Burak and Jon Carlson will serve as Assistant Captains.
“With a veteran group we knew we had good leadership candidates, and we just wanted to see who evolved as the leaders both on and off the ice” said Pearson when asked why he waited until the Christmas break to decide on his captains.
Patrice Wren came to Winkler in a trade this past off season from the Pembroke Lumber Kings where he won the RBC Cup in 2011. The 20 year old from Beachburg, Ontario is in the middle of his fourth year of junior hockey. He is currently third in team scoring with 29 points (10 goals – 19 assists).
“Wren plays in all situations and has done everything you want to do in junior hockey. He plays the way we want all our guys to play. He also has the respect of all our players which is important for us.” Added Pearson.
Morris, Manitoba native Tristan Keck is in his third season in Winkler and served as an Assistant Captain in 2013-2014. Morden product Reid Burak is also in his third season as a Flyer. Jon Carlson, from Fort Francis, Ontario was picked up in a trade from Portage this summer.
“Tristan and Reid have been here for three years and have gone through the ups and downs, with both bringing a different dynamic to the team. Reid will battle for you, do anything for his teammates and say something when needed, Tristan is more of a lead by example kind of guy. Jon came in this summer and from day one jumped right in and became a great team player.”
The Winkler Flyers will host the Steinbach Pistons on Wednesday, December 31st at 4:30pm in their New Year’s Eve matinee. It will be Winkler’s first game back from the Christmas Break.