Notre Dame won the Telus Cup in Levis, QC with a 3-2 win over Mississauga yesterday. I had a chance to speak to talk to him about the title. His thoughts are below:
"It's just a great feeling... I'm so pumped right now, " said the 15 year-old Howorko, a 2nd round pick of the Broncos in last summer's WHL bantam draft.
"I can barely sit down. All the guys are running around the hotel. We just a had a good meal and now we're probably going to head out and have some fun."
He gave his thoughts on the final few minutes with the Hounds protecting a 3-2 lead.
"Everyone was just shaking. We were hoping our goaltender Riley Parker would keep standing on his head. We finally saw the clock ticking down to three seconds... we hopped the bench, the buckets came off and we hopped on Riley (Parker) to celebrate."
It wasn't an easy road for the Hounds. They struggled in the "AAA" Saskatchewan playoffs, falling behind the Saskatoon Contacts 2-0 before storming back to win three straight and the Saskatchewan "AAA" title.
I asked Shae about trying to make the Broncos as a 16 year-old next season.
"That would be great, to come back to my hometown. Meet some new guys and play on a good team next season."
Howorko is teammates with Moose Jaw Warriors 1st round pick Morgan Reilly. Howorko says the two friends have often thought about the battles that lie ahead between the two of them.
"Yeah for sure. We've had our little beak sessions back and forth. We talk about what we'd do to each other when and if we face each other...how we'd rough each other up (laughs)."
I found this pic below. I believe it's a Swift Current Atom "AA" Broncos league championship pic from a few years back featuring Howorko and Kelowna Rockets 2nd round selection Colton Heffley.
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I'm all set for Edmonton later this week. I'll be taking in the WHL's bantam draft and Awards Luncheon Wednesday and Thursday from the Fantasy Land Hotel at the West Ed Mall.
Hopefully I'll have a chance to blog or take some pics.
I'm looking forward to the Awards Luncheon as Bronco rookie F Adam Lowry is up for the WHL's Scholastic Player of the Year.
He informs me he will be at the luncheon along with his family.
It will be interesting to see all 22 teams under one roof for the bantam draft. Each team gets a table for eight. It will be hosted out of one of the conference rooms at West Ed Mall.
Being there should also provide some good segments for WHL This Week - Radio Edition, which is coming to an end for another season.
Broncos Director of Player Personnel Jaime Porter will talk about the draft. Hopefully I'll have a chance to share some thoughts.
I hear Gregg Drinnan is also attending. That should make for some interesting and thorough coverage.
Oil Kings broadcaster A.J. Jakubec will also be around. Sounds like a trip to "100" will be in order.
Should be an interesting few days.
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I spoke with Swift Current bantam "AA" Raiders head coach Kent Woods this weekend. He gave me a good preview of what he expects. The Raiders could have six players taken in the draft.
He gave me his thoughts. I'll have them on here tomorrow or Wednesday.
It's going to be a great draft for local southwest Saskatchewan players.
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Two former Broncos have helped Fort St. John with the Allan Cup. The host team defeated the Bentley Generals 4-1 in Saturday's final.
Former Bronco D Donny Lloyd and former F Kimbi Daniels were part of the Fort St. John Flyers.
Have a good week....
Jon
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