TISDALE — Keagon Little made a big return from injury last weekend for the Tisdale Trojans.
The 16-year-old forward from Wymark scored in each of the Trojans’ midget AAA contests. He had been out of action since Oct. 11, when he suffered an injury eight games into the season.
“The training staff we have, which is Rob [Boxall] and Janine [LeBlanc] are awesome,” Little said. “They got me back on track. It felt great being back playing the sport you love. Some nerves for sure … but it was great being back and playing with the team.”
The Trojans are pleased to have the talented 5-foot-10, 150-pounder return. He scored on a penalty shot on Saturday night. In 10 games this season, Little had five goals and nine points.
“Keags is such an offensive presence whenever he’s on the ice,” Tisdale assistant coach Daven Smith said. “He’s got an incredible skill set, and on top of that, his work ethic is second to none. On and off the ice, Keagon gives it his all 24/7 and that is going to give him some really special opportunities in his hockey career. He’s got the kind of work ethic that every coach would want in his players.”
When asked what has allowed him to put up points this season, Little said:
“Points are good to get, but I focus on playing good defensive hockey then the offence will come. Playing with my brother, Jaedon Little, and [Trojans teammate] Noah Wills last year [at the Prairie Hockey Academy] helped me. They are two really good players, so playing with them allowed me to focus on those skills. Points are great, but I just try to go have fun and if the points come, they come. If they don’t, then I need to keep pushing through.”
In Tisdale, Little billets with Evan and Robin Nontell and their son Otto.
“They have made everything so enjoyable,” he said. “They are so supportive in everything. It’s really great to live with such a great family.”
There are also other aspects of life with the Trojans Little has liked.
“I love how the rink and the school are attached to each other,” he said. “It is a convenient setup. The coaching staff are great and supportive and want players to succeed. The trainers are great too. They both push us to be our best.”
Tisdale is the latest destination in Little’s life and hockey journey. Little and his older brother Jaedon, who plays Junior B in B.C., were born in Dover, N.H. His younger sister was born Fredericton, N.B. When he was six, his family moved to Wymark in the Swift Current area.
“My brother and I fell in love with hockey by watching the Swift Current Broncos [of the Western Hockey League]. We both decided we better learn to skate, so we could join hockey. I started playing hockey when I was nine,” said Little, who praised his parents and sister for their support as they ask each day how the brothers are doing and come to watch when they can.
Little played two bantam seasons close to home in Swift Current. Last season he honed his game with Caronport’s PGA in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League and North American Prospects Hockey League.
The Trojans last week
Saturday, Nov. 23 in Tisdale
Notre Dame Argos 4, Tisdale 3
Trojans Scorers: Mackenzie Carson, Kegaon Little, Carter Briltz
Argos Scorers: Jaryd Sych, Kaden Laverdiere, Robby Rabroker, Jaydon Forrester
Goalies: Hunter Loclacher, Tisdale, 32 saves on 36 shots; Ian Lee, Notre Dame, 39 on 42
Notes: The Trojans led 1-0 in the first period and were up 2-0, 2-1, and 3-1 on the second. The Agros scored three straight goals, spread over the second and third periods, to slip by the Trojans. Little scored on a penalty shot.
Sunday, Nov. 24 in Tisdale
Tisdale 5, Notre Dame Agros 2
Trojans Scorers: Kalen Ukrainetz (2), Mackenzie Carson, Kegaon Little, Kayden Ostrom
Argos Scorer: Jayden Mosiondz, Kevin Gould
Goalies: Boston Gelowitz, Tisdale, 19 saves on 21 shots; Ian Lee, Notre Dame, 34 on 39
Notes: After a 2-2 first period, the Trojans took a 3-2 lead in the second. “We were definitely pleased with our third period today, especially compared to our last 20 minutes of yesterday’s game,” assistant coach Daven Smith said. “Both games this weekend, we were headed into the third periods with a 3-2 lead. On Saturday, we let off the gas and the end result showed. On Sunday, we played the way we typically do in the third and that’s finding another gear and finishing strong.”
Trojans Tracks
Rhett Frey (2016-2019) is enjoying a solid second season with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. The 19-year-old hometown forward had four goals and 13 points through 25 games. Those totals surpass the five points and three goals he put up in 57 games as a rookie.
This Week
The Tisdale Trojans (11-8-0-1) hit the road on Thursday to play the Saskatoon Blazers (14-4-0-1). On the weekend, the squad hosts the Moose Jaw Warriors (13-6-1-0) for Saturday night and Sunday afternoon contests.
