The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are excited to announce that Owen Wheatley from Abbotsford, BC has signed a letter of intent with the team for the 2021-22 season.
The 6’0”, 165-pound defenceman has played the last two seasons with the Shawnigan Lake School Under 18 Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, scoring 12 points (three goals, 9 assists) in 36 games in 2019-20. He also played two games with the Kerry Park Islanders in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League during that season. The past season, the CSSHL was cancelled but Wheatley did practice with Shawnigan Lake.
Wheatley also won a CSSHL championship in his 2018-19 season with the Shawnigan Lake Under-17 team.
Wheatley says he got wind of the Wolverines organization through a former player, Tyler Leibl, whose brother played with Owen.
“Really talking to Tyler, really solidified it for me come to Waywayseecappo,” said Wheatley. “I thought the team would be the best for me.”
Wheatley admits he’s never been to Manitoba, but is excited for a change of scenery and playing for a passionate fanbase.
“Part of the reason I want to come here is to get out of my comfort zone,” said Wheatley. “I’m hearing that when playing for a small-town team, you find out it’s a place where everyone supports everyone, and I’m extremely excited to play in an environment like that.”
Head Coach Taylor Harnett says Owen’s former coaches had nothing but great things to say about him.
“Speaking with his former coach Kevin Cooper and hearing all the positive qualities that Owen will bring to the team on and off the ice, really made our decision easy,” says Harnett. “The fans can expect a player that will defend really well and also provide some good offensive opportunities.”