TISDALE — Tisdale Trojans forward Ethan Lang excels in the classroom and works hard to help his midget AAA hockey team excel on the ice.
The Grade 12 student has a 99 per cent average in school, head coach Dennis Kubat said. Although not entirely sure which career he would like to pursue in the future, Lang, as his favourite subjects are math and science, is leaning toward the medical field. The 17-year-old rookie is enjoying being a Trojan.
“School and hockey are both very important to me so finding a way to balance the two is necessary,” the White City product said. “We have a busy schedule so sometimes it can be difficult to manage, and I need to work hard at it. Fortunately for me, I enjoy school and do well in it so that definitely helps.”
The 6-foot, 160-pounder has helped the Trojans with his attitude and work ethic. He has five assists through 22 games.
“He competes in practice and every time in the game,” Kubat said. “I know he hasn’t been rewarded yet, but he is one of the most positive kids I’ve met and one of the hardest workers.”
Lang played the last two seasons in midget AA with Melville. He said moving up to midget AAA is definitely a step up.
“The pace is quicker, the players are all more skilled, and the schedule is more packed,” Lang said. “As a player you strive to play at the highest level possible and the SMAAAHL gives players aged 15 to 17 a terrific opportunity to develop. It is a challenging league with tough competition, but it is very enjoyable.”
He said that there are so many great things about being a Trojan.
“The community is very supportive and involved with the team,” Lang said. “All of the guys on the team and the staff are great and make every team event a lot of fun and my billets are awesome. We do lots of stuff in the community and with minor hockey, which is great as well. Overall, playing in Tisdale is a really terrific experience.”
Lang is greatly enjoying billeting with Rick and Sherry Ellis with teammate Kylynn Olafson.
“I appreciate living with them,” he said. “They are all so kind. We can joke around and socialize together, and Sherry is a fantastic cook. She always has a ton of different snacks and amazing meals for us to eat. Rick and Sherry come out to watch our games as often as they can. Rick is always around to talk after games and is great to have hockey conversations with and get advice from. Sherry’s dad, Gordon Wright, also likes to come out to watch the games and support the team.
“Ky and I spend a lot of time together and it’s nice to have someone else around to hang out with. With the Trojans, we do lots of activities in the community.”
Kubat praised Lang for his willingness to help out in the community. The player and Olafson assist a local atom hockey team. As well, Lang has enjoyed taking part in such activities as the team’s pancake breakfast for the community, volunteering at Tim Hortons and the Co-Op Food Store and Gas Bar and participating in other activities.
The Trojans Last Week
Friday, Dec. 6 in Regina
Tisdale 4, Regina 2
Tisdale Scorers: Kalen Ukrainetz (2), Mackenzie Carson (2)
Pat Canadians Scorers: Kyren Gronick, Blake Swetlikoff
Goalies: Hunter Lolacher, Tisdale, 43 saves on 45 shots; Jared Thompson, Regina, 3 on 10; Drayden Ramage, Regina, 1 on 3
Notes: The win snapped Tisdale’s three-game losing streak and brought the Pat Canadians’ nine contest winning streak to an end. Due to injury and illness, the shorthanded Trojans only dressed three defencemen. “It was just a great game to coach the boys. Going through all of that adversity. Having 3 D and 10 forwards. Trenton Curtis having to play 25 minutes on the backend as a regular forward playing D. It shows a lot of character... You could kind of sit there and fold and say, ‘It’s not our game today’ or put in the compete level that we did to get that win. Also, obviously it is huge having the game that Hunter played for us in net helps a lot too,” Tisdale head coach Dennis Kubat said. He praised the entire team for their play. “Everybody just kind of stepped in and bought in. It’s just a huge character win.”
Trojans Tracks
Jayden Wiens (2018-19) has four goals and five points in his rookie season for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. The Carrot River product is in his 16-year-old season.
This Week
The Tisdale Trojans (12-11-0-1) play three road games this week. The team is in Yorkton on Tuesday, Wilcox on Saturday to play the Notre Dame Hounds, and Swift Current on Sunday.
