More Than a Medal and Some Souvenirs

After missing five regular season games with the Spruce Kings while away representing Canada West at the World Junior 'A' Challenge, Wes McLeod has come back with a new attitude and a new approach to the game. I had a chance to sit down with Wes on Monday night just a few hours after he touched down back in Prince George. We looked through some of his souvenirs and talked a little bit about his experience in Summerside and then started looking ahead to rest of the BCHL season.

When I first arrived at his place, Wes was preparing for Tuesday and a game day with the Spruce Kings by getting his gear sorted. A long time friend growing up and playing hockey together, Zac Rasmussen also stopped by for a visit. The two looked through some souvenirs that came home including the official Hockey Canada magazine and tournament program. There were also some pictures of Wes taken at the event. But of course the big items were his Team Canada jersey, silver medal and WJAC All Star Defenceman plague.

One thing I have noticed about Wes McLeod this season is that he plays with a lot more edge, that edge may have gotten even rougher after this most recent trip out east. Which was his second trip to Summerside after going there last season to play in the CJAHL Prospect's Game. To say that Wes had a good tournament would be an understatement as the nineteen year old defenceman was selected to be an assistant captain and played as the first line pairing on the blue line with fellow BCHL'er - Mat Bodie.

Wes McLeod was a major contributor for his team finishing 11th in tournament scoring with five assists, including a record tying four assists in one game. With more than his fair share of playing minutes every game and his edgy physical play in an international tournament, penalties become the risk but Wes was able to get the job done and was only handed one minor penalty. The infraction was called late in the third period of the first game against the Russian team during the round robin portion of the tournament.

Some twenty four hours after the final whistle to end the tournament, Canada West picked up their second silver medal after suffering a 2-1 regulation time loss to the Americans. It was the second year in a row that the Americans prevented Canada West from claiming the championship. Although gold was only a shot away, the team comprised of Junior 'A' players from the five leagues in Western Canada is still the only team to have played in all four gold medal games.

Playing in that gold medal game is an experience that Wes McLeod won't soon forget as he ranks that one at the very top of his list of accomplishments to date in his hockey career. Something tells me that this won't be the last time we see or hear from Wes McLeod playing at an elite level in the game that is so much a part of our social and cultural fibre.

As I mentioned I had a chance to sit down with Wes and was able to congratulate him on his contributions at the World Junior 'A' Hockey Challenge.


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