CARROT RIVER — Colten McAvoy of the Carrot River Outback Thunder takes a lot of pride in being tough defensively.
“As a defenceman, I want to be hard to play against and I want to be able to stop opposing teams from scoring,” said the Star City School Grade 12 student, who turns 18 this week.
Early in his rookie Junior B hockey season, McAvoy has already established himself as an important contributor on the Outback Thunder backend. Head coach Luke Folk described McAvoy as “a no excuses, reliable D-man who puts his head down and gets to work.”
“Colten has been a defensive stud for us throughout the year and continues to grow more confident,” Folk said. “Between blocking shots, controlling and clearing loose pucks to taking the body on guys entering our zone ... he wears out the opposition on a nightly basis and guys around the league are starting to notice.”
The Outback Thunder bench boss indicated that the 5-foot-7, 185-pounder does not shy away from contact.
“He makes his presence known by playing a physical game, taking away time and space and forcing the opposition into uncomfortable positions.”
Folk also praised McAvoy’s work ethic and desire to compete.
“You know you’re getting 100 per cent every time McAvoy is on the ice,” he said. “He’s more than happy to get into the dirty areas and is often the guy skating out of those battles with the puck.”
Strong defensively, McAvoy has chipped in at the other end of the rink for the Outback Thunder too. As of Nov. 7, he had a goal and an assist through 12 games.
When asked what he enjoys most about playing for the Outback Thunder, McAvoy couldn’t choose just one aspect.
“I enjoy everything about playing with the Thunder,” he said. “I enjoy being with my teammates and being with a group that wants to win and wants to put in the work. I also enjoy the atmosphere at our home games. It’s a great community to play in.”
The Thunder Last Week
Saturday, Nov. 9 in Carrot River
Carrot River 5, West Central 2
Outback Thunder Scorers: Tyler Almen, Ben Couvier, Tyrell Nicklen, Tanner Dutcawich, Kaden Suski
Rage Scorers: Blake Fennig, Zachary Ludwig
Goalies: Steven Soyko, Carrot River, 36 saves on 38 shots; Jake Fergusson, West Central, 38 on 43
Notes: The Outback Thunder led 1-0 and 2-1 at the intermissions and were up 3-1 in the third. Nicklen, Dutcawich and Suski each had two points.
Sunday, Nov. 10 in Carrot River
Carrot River 5, West Central 3
Outback Thunder Scorers: Liam Hallett, Ben Couvier, David Wiens, Kaden Suski, James Tingley
Rage Scorers: Blake Fennig (2), Jackson Kostuik,
Goalies: Justice Haack, Carrot River, 24 saves on 27 shots; Jake Fergusson, West Central, 65 on 70
Notes: After being tied 0-0 and 2-2 at the intermissions, the Outback Thunder outscored the Rage 3-1 to earn their fifth straight victory. “Our hard work is paying off,” general manager Brennan Hall said. “We are settling in, getting more comfortable with each other, and never giving up on plays. Night to night, we are playing a 60-minute game where at the start of the year we failed to do that. Veteran guys are stepping up and the entire team is rallying off of each other and the success we are having.” Haack earned his first PJHL win and Tingley had his first goal.
This Week
The Carrot River Outback Thunder (5-8-1) head south for three games in as many days this week. The Junior B club is in Assiniboia on Friday to play the Southern Rebels before taking on the Triple Seven Chrysler Storm in Pilot Butte. The Outback Thunder wraps up its road trip Sunday in Regina against the Capitals.
