The Smokies have depth again on the back line despite the departure of two defensemen.
Drew Anastasio was the latest to leave, opting to play in Tri-City of the U.S. Hockey League.
The 20-year-old who played in all situations had two goals and two assists in nine games. He played his first game with the Storm last weekend.
About three weeks earlier, 18-year-old rookie rearguard Gairin Michalski joined the Storm after getting two goals and two assists in six BCHL games. Michalski is pointless and is –3 through seven USHL contests.
Meanwhile, Colton Whitfield has left the Storm to join the Smoke Eaters.
The 19-year-old who is six-foot-two, 180 pounds feels he brings an overall game, in addition to utilizing his size.
“I think I play a two-way game,” said the native of Warwick, Rhode Island. “I think defensively I’m pretty strong and I can help out offensively as well,” he added.
Whitfield didn’t plan on changing teams and admitted to felling “a little overwhelmed” before making his Smoke Eaters debut last Saturday in West Kelowna.
He figures it’s better to battle through this type of adversity early in the season.
“It’s a little challenging, but it’s good it happened now so I have time to adjust to a new team,” stated the rearguard in his second full season of junior hockey.
Whitfield played regular shifts against the Warriors.
Brady Wassink also took regular shifts last Friday against Blackfalds at Cominco Arena and Saturday in West Kelowna.
The Hamilton native feels the key to his development starts with beefing up.
“I’m trying to get bigger and stronger, I think that’s the best cliche,” stated the 19-year-old who also is also six-foot-two, 180 pounds.
“It’s a long season in junior hockey and you have to withstand it physically and take pride in it and whenever I can, put on size,” explained the stay-at-home d-man who will jump into the rush when the the opportunity presents itself.
Wassink has experience in the Ontario and North American Junior Hockey Leagues and says he got great first impressions from his new teammates and the facility.
“The rink is good, the dressing room with the facilities are insane, nothing like I’ve ever seen in junior hockey. I love it here so far,” said Wassink.
The Smokies, who have eight defensemen on their roster, host Salmon Arm on Wednesday and Cranbrook Saturday.
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