TISDALE — Tisdale Trojans rookie forward Noah Wills is focused on being the best hockey player he can be – and he is not afraid to put in the work.
Last season the 16-year-old from Swift Current played and studied at the Prairie Hockey Academy in Caronport. This season he is learning the game at the midget AAA level with the Trojans. Tisdale head coach Dennis Kubat praised Wills for his efforts in the gym, at practice, and in the classroom, where his average is in the high 90s.
“He’s just a dedicated guy. He’s here to be a better hockey player,” Kubat said. “He’s got big goals and ambitions in regard to hockey. He is here for the right reasons and represents exactly what we are looking for in a Tisdale Trojan.”
The 5-foot-6, 120-pound Wills has been a key offensive contributor for the Trojans this season. As of Nov. 7, he was fifth on the team with 11 points in 15 games. Wills had scored three goals.
“He creates offence. He’s a good passer. … He has the ability to be a constant threat when he’s going on the ice,” said Kubat, who noted that as of late Wills had been on a line with captain Kalen Ukrainetz and Kylynn Olafson.
Wills indicated there are some adjustments that needed to be made in moving up to the Trojans’ level.
“Midget AAA is faster than last year,” he said. “There are no bad players in the league. Another difference is that anyone can beat anybody on any night, so you have to come to the rink prepared to work every day. Another difference is it is harder to score. You have to bury your chances.”
Wills said his season at PHA playing on the Canadian Sport School Hockey League benefitted him in several ways.
“It helped me to balance school and hockey,” he said. “They taught that school is just as important. Sport school helped me adjust to midget and playing against top talent from western Canada.”
Last winter Wills and his PHA teammates traveled to showcase tournaments across Western Canada. The travel was a bit different from what is now experiencing with the Trojans.
“Bus trips last year were a lot longer - lots of seven hour plus trips,” Will said. “The overall structure of bus trips was similar with lots of bonding time for the team. Time to prepare for the game, catch up on homework or just relax.”
He is glad his hockey journey has brought him to the Trojans.
“I enjoy representing the community of Tisdale, the level of hockey that the Trojans play at, and the standards that our organization holds me to,” said Wills, who noted that it is amazing to billet with the Friskys.
The Trojans Last Week
Saturday, Nov. 9 in Tisdale
Tisdale 4, Beardy’s 3 SO
Trojans Scorers: Mackenzie Carson (2), Noah Wills
Blackhawks Scorers: Holden Doell, Cole Duperreault, Robert Pizzey
Goalies: Boston Gelowitz, Tisdale, 39 saves on 42 shots; Kris Johnson, Beardy’s, 42 on 45
Notes: In the shootout, Trenton Curtis scored on the backhand and Carson went five-hole. Gelowitz stopped the second Beardy’s shooter. Carter Briltz had two assists for the Trojans. “We were happy we got the win. As a coaching staff, we weren’t too happy with the compete level of the boys. … We just found a way to win to give us two points, which could be huge,” head coach Dennis Kubat said.
This Week
The Tisdale Trojans (8-7-0-1) only play on Saturday this week. The Trojans play the Battlefords Stars (5-7-2-0) on the road on Saturday and Sunday.
