Make it four out of five players from the 2018-19 Waywayseecappo Wolverines graduating class who have now made commitments to play hockey at the next level for this upcoming season.
Veteran Goaltender, Isaac LaBelle has committed to play for the Trinity Western University Spartans in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL).
Following the 2019-20 season, the Spartans will make the jump from the BCHIL to U SPORTS which is Canada’s highest level of hockey competition at the university ranks.
“I had a lot of good options, it was a tough decision but my family and I decided it would be the best for me,” LaBelle said of his commitment. “I’ll get to play U SPORTS in two years so it will be cool to get to play across western Canada against the best competition while living in British Columbia.”
“I went on a visit there in April, I liked what I saw, they have a great program there and I’m ready to get going.”
In 77 regular season games in a Wolverines uniform, LaBelle put together 29 wins, a 3.05 goals-against average and .905 save percentage with three shutouts. According to LaBelle, his time in Waywayseecappo was something he will never forget.
“I definitely have to give a lot of credit to my time in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). Waywayseecappo was a great place to play and they definitely helped me get to the next level.”
“My time there (Waywayseecappo) was pretty awesome. I loved being in the community and getting to meet lots of people. The team was great, we had a good season and I’m excited to see what Waywayseecappo does in the next few years.”
While hockey is near the top of Isaac’s priorities, going to school and getting a quality education is also very important to him and his family.
“I’m going to stay in the science programs and hopefully down the road, I’ll get into med school. I’m excited to get to this next level and pursue my academic career as well as play some hockey.”
LaBelle was a key factor in the Wolverines run to the playoffs this past season, where he started 17 games in-a-row down the final stretch of the regular season. His outstanding 2018-19 season also earned him runner up honors as the MJHL’s MVP and the leagues’ Top Goaltender.
“I want to thank the Waywayseecappo community and hockey team for making my time in junior hockey a memorable and amazing experience,” LaBelle concluded.