UNITY — A Unity Minor Hockey alum has been traded to the SJHL Kindersley Klippers.
In a couple of trades the last part of November, Unity minor hockey alum Karsen Blanchette was traded from the Melfort Mustangs to the Kindersley team.
Blanchette is in his second season with the Prince Albert Mintos AAA U18 team and says he was excited when he learned the news.
Blanchette feels the Mintos, who have also been recently invited to the annual Mac’s tournament over Christmas in Calgary, is a strong team and hopes for a long run this season.
Blanchette was drafted by both the Melfort Mustangs in the SJHL and the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL.
Blanchette tells the Press-Herald/SASKTODAY.ca, “I played some pre-games with the Mintos right before my final season in West Central Wheat Kings Bantam year. My first year in U18, I made the jump to PA AAA Mintos.”
Head Coach of the Mustangs called Blanchette on the 22nd advising him he had been traded to the SJHL’s Klippers. Shortly after the Mustangs call, Blanchette said he received a call from the Klippers welcoming him to the team.
Although he is not sure when he will play with the Klippers squad just yet, he is thinking he will get a couple of games in this year, and potentially in next year. For the time being he remains focused on his U18 team and says he is trying to improve all aspects of his game. Blanchette continues to make an impact for the Mintos as noticed on their score sheets.
“I am excited as I played in Kindersley for three years, so I was excited to get the opportunity to go back and play junior. It’s like home, so it's very exciting. My family was just as excited as I was. Maybe because it’s closer to home. We all see it as a great opportunity.”
Blanchette adds that his biggest influence is his dad and has felt that his dad has always helped him better himself and he gives full credit to him for Blanchette being in the position he is in today.
“He has always been there for me whether that be when he coached me back in Unity or just coming support me and my games nowadays. Very appreciative of him.”
