The Cranbrook Bucks are well into the 2023-24 season, a new era for the BCHL as the league embarks upon its initial season of being independent from Hockey Canada.
This season also marks a new beginning of sorts for the Bucks as the team has launched its new Kootenay Hockey Academy program, the program aims to serve as a pipeline of sorts for future or prospective Cranbrook Bucks players.
This year’s academy squad, coached by ECHL alumni Ryan Carlson, features three Cranbrook Bucks affiliate players who could be called to action with the BCHL club at any given time.
Among these players is goaltender Jaxon Loween of Steinbach, Manitoba.
Carlson says Loween has been reliable in the crease through his first slate of games this season.
“Every time Jaxon has played for us, he has put us in a position to win with his competition level,” says Carlson.
The academy squad also boasts a pair of APs with local ties, including defenseman Rhett Steel from Kimberley, Carlson says the two-way defender has made an impact on both sides of the rink in his first foray of games with Kootenay Hockey Academy.
“[Rhett] is tied for second on our team in points,” Carlson states. “He is a two-way defensemean that can shut down top lines as well as put some points on the board for our team. With a good stick and footwork, he makes it a challenge on the other team every time he steps on the ice.”
Another Cranbrook Bucks affiliate includes a Key City product in forward Danick Reeves, the Cranbrook product is leading the KHA program in points in the season’s early goings.
Carlson says Reeves packs a strong skillset.
“Reeves is leading our team in points,” says Carlson. “He is a skillful right winger that motors our team with his speed and hands. With an excellent shot, he is always a threat to score in the zone.”
The many links between KHA and the Cranbrook Bucks extend to the academy squad’s bench.
Original Cranbrook Bucks recruit Quaid Anderson is serving as an assistant coach with KHA, that is when he is not busy fighting fires with the BC Wildfire Service – but that’s another story for another time.
Kootenay Hockey Academy is a member of the U18 Junior Prospects Hockey League with teams from across BC and Alberta.
