Local athlete drafted by Kelowna
A local teen will soon be travelling to Kelowna to show them how Cranbrook kids play hockey.
Tristan Pagura was the only player from Cranbrook or Kimberley drafted by the Kelowna Rockets in the ninth round of the WHL Bantam Draft last week and he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, but I am excited,” said Pagura. “I’m going up there in August and it should be fun.”
The 14-year-old is no stranger to athletic circles in Cranbrook. Besides playing hockey, he kept his skills sharp by playing outstanding lacrosse in the off-season.
“That really helped a lot,” said Pagura. “It kept me fit and fast.”
Pagura, who plays defense, is coming off a stellar year with the Cranbrook AA Bantam Ice. His record of 21 goals and 16 assists during regular season and another 8 points in the 11 games played in the playoffs made him a natural pick for the Rockets.
In Kelowna, he intends to maintain and broaden his role in defense because that position works well with his style of play.
“It’s all about observing and reacting,” said Pagura.
As for his chances in Kelowna, former lacrosse coach Darcy Wiebe was optimistic.
“He is a very coachable kid,” said Wiebe. He is a team leader and very competitive. Tristan’s one of those kids that coaches like to have on a team.”
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