It took three seasons, but Waywayseecappo Wolverines prospect Braden Keeble is finally playing in his first full season of Manitoba AAA Under-18 Hockey, and he is making the most out of it.
Keeble, drafted 15th overall in the 2019 MJHL Draft, is leading the MU18HL in scoring with 40 points in 16 games.
The individual success has translated to team success as well, as his team, the Brandon AAA Wheat Kings are sitting first in the league with 30 points in 16 games.
Keeble says it’s been a good start for himself, but you can thank the team around him for his early-season success.
“We have a very good team, and with a good team, you’ll have good players around you,” says Keeble. “I knew what to expect this year after playing a few seasons already.”
Braden played a grand total of 25 games with the Wheat Kings in his first two seasons. The time was shortened because of an injury in his first season, and COVID-19 cancelling the year in his second season. Because of that, he says that it’s been different taking on the veteran role on the team.
“It’s almost been everyone’s first year this season,” says Keeble. “We’re all working together, trying to figure it out as a team.”
Keeble was at Wolverines training camp this season, appearing in two exhibition games and scoring a goal during one of the games. He says he follows the team, and is happy for how the team has played so far this season.
“I’ve watched some games, and I know some of the players as well, so I do keep tabs on them,” says Keeble. “I learned a lot from my training camp experience, and I’ve taken some of that and applied it to my season this year.”
But at the end of the day Keeble is trying to make his third season, and first full season in the MU18HL a memorable one for the team.
“I’m just focused on our team and working hard and winning games.”