Ben Fragle is focused on one hockey goal for next season: to wear the Trail Smoke Eaters jersey.
The 17-year-old has completed his third and final season at the Okanagan Hockey Academy says he was motivated by his signing to a contract by his home town junior team.
Ben’s dad Tim Fragle played for the team and was the Smokies head coach and general manager for five seasons before heading to the WHL with the Everett Silvertips.
Ben says being a Smoke Eater with his dad behind the bench never crossed his mind.
“I didn’t even think I was ever going to be a Smoke Eater,” said Ben.
“I never really thought about playing for my dad, I just wanted to do it (make the team) by myself, but when I came to camp and (head coach and GM) Eric (Thurston) said you earned this on your own merit. That made me feel good. It’s just a great opportunity,” he explained.
The five-foot-nine, 170-pound forward feels his game has improved greatly at OHA.
“The player I was before I went there compared to where I am now is not even the same so I think they’ve done a good job at turning me into the player I am today and a chance to play for Trail next year,” Fragle stated, adding that he has developed into a player who works hard in all three zones.
“I play with a lot of speed and IQ and not afraid to get into the corners and battle and hit even though I’m a smaller guy, I like to get in there, so you’re getting a hard worker and 200-foot-player,” Fragle surmised.
Fragle progressed through Smoke Eaters training camp last September and also got into some preseason action.
He feels that experience was key to get ready for what is likely to come next fall.
“It was important for me to get the opportunity and see what the level’s like and the pace of play and I think it prepared me for my season this year and will also prepare me for next season, to fight for a spot (with the Smokies),” Fragle said.
And what was it like to play BCHL preseason hockey?
“Like way faster, guys are bigger, stronger, older, just everything about it is faster,” described Ben, who believes he will be ready to make the jump to the BCHL next season, especially after skating with the team in practice last week.
“Practicing with the team and getting those preseason games, I know what the level is like and I think if I put in a bit more work in the off season I can get to that level and hopefully make the team,” he added.
Ben doesn’t envision any extra pressure by being a second-generation Fragle on Cominco Arena ice.
He figures the proper focus will push the factors he can’t control to the back burner.
“Honestly, you want to do good every game, but you try not to think about it too much and just go out and do your job,” Ben concluded.
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