.gif)
The Rivermen are proud to announce the signing of Kalen Szeto and Ryan Helliwell for the 2018-2019 season. Products of Burnaby Winter Club, and now BWC Academy, the first year midget 15 year old boys attended Rivermen Main Camp, and didn’t look out of place, playing in games throughout exhibition games including a game each on their trip down to Wenatchee.
“We made the decision pretty early on that we wanted the boys to make the trip with us and get a good experience, plus play against a top team and see how they could do, and both rose to the occasion.” said Head Coach and GM Bobby Henderson.
Kalen, 15, has a family history with the Rivermen, his older brother Justin played for Bobby 2 years ago before attending Harvard.
Henderson added;
“I see a lot of Justin in Kalen. Justin played for us 2 years ago before leaving on a scholarship to attend Harvard University. Kalen has a high hockey IQ, he gets to open spaces he always finds the puck he’s always around the puck and thats a good thing. If he’s not creating opportunities he’s finishing around the net and that kind of nose for the net can’t be taught.”
“My time with the Riv so far has just been amazing, the team culture and the guys are great. Going in to main camp I was a little nervous but guys on the team were really nice and made me feel comfortable playing, especially Jake Livingstone and Brendan Budy. I chose to play here because growing up I watched my older brother Justin play with the Rivermen a lot and I always wanted to be one of those players on the ice. Just getting to know the players and coaches, along with the good things my brother said about his experience, helped me make the decision confidently, and I feel playing for the here is a great opportunity for me.” Said the 15 year old new recruit, Kalen Szeto
Ryan, 15, has been on the eye off the staff for years now, Co-Owner John Henderson has a son who is a year younger than Ryan and has seen him grow up and develop for years. Ryan captained his BWC Western Canadian Championship Bantam team last year.
Bobby added;
“Ryan, has a high IQ as well on the ice, he sees plays develop before they do, he jumps up into the play at the exact time, knows when to back away, and actually excelled playing against a tough veteran Wenatchee team. I rememeber he broke us up ice out of the zone moved the puck jumped up as the trailer and sniped one home. I rememeber looking over at our Assistant Coach Stefano Ruscitti right after saying ‘ Lock him up’ and we did just that as the bus dropped us off on the way home from the trip.’
“I knew I would enjoy the competition at the next level, but my time with the Rivermen really exceed my expectations. I didn’t realize what a great environment and culture they had until the players all made me feel welcome. Like Kalen Jake Livingstone and Brendan Budy welcomed me and made sure I was comfortable. The coaches made the transition easy and the players really made me feel apart of their group on and off the ice, I still hear from some of the guys regularly.”
Said Helliwell, who is pictured here after that road trip with the some of the boys. Kalens was taken on a different date.
Yesterday, both of our new commits were named to this years Team BC for the 2017 WHL Cup against Team Alberta, Team Manitoba and Team Saskatchewan. The WHL Cup takes place from October 18 – 22, 2017 at WinSport in Calgary, Alberta.
