CARLYLE - River Onufreychuk is the captain of the Carlyle Cougar U15 team.
The Manor resident centres a line which has Rolen Standingready and Hunter Colpitts as his wingers. He has 19 goals and 11 assists in 19 league games. Due to his aggressive play, he also leads his team in penalty minutes.
Onufreychuk is a right-handed shot and wears number nine.
“I feel I read the ice well and have a good shot. I feel I am strong on my skates and good defensively,” he said.
Onufreychuk is the son of Jodi Onufreychuk and truly appreciates his family fan club. Older siblings are sister Presley and brother Jaydon, and he has two nieces.
The 14-year-old is in Grade 9 and is in enrolled at Manor School. While hockey is his favourite sport, Onufreychuk also enjoys golfing in the summer. His favourite subject in school is physical education. In all his years of playing hockey, River has never suffered a serious injury.
Onufreychuk is coached by Dallas, Dean, and Branden Lequyer. Dallas is the head coach and had nothing but praise for the captain.
“When I think about River, a few words come to mind – skilled, great skater, determined, and gritty. This year has been a breakout year for River in my opinion. He has shown how skilled he is as a hockey player all the while being a great kid off the ice.
“River started the year by playing defence for us (which isn’t his normal position) and he never complained one bit. He was there to help the team in any way he could. It wasn’t until mid-December when we moved him back up to his natural position at centre.
“We named River the captain of the team this year, not just because he is a talented player but because he has the extra qualities a captain should have – leadership, work ethic and determination to name a few. It has been a pleasure coaching him this year, and I am sure he will enjoy continued success with hockey in the future.”
There are 13 teams in the U15 Moose Mountain Minor Hockey League. The Cougars are presently sporting an 8-8-4 record and are in seventh place. They have defeated Indian Head in the first round of SHA U15 B provincials and will now play the Prairie Storm in round two. Game 1 is Feb. 13 in Balgonie. Game two will be played in Carlyle on Feb. 16 at 8:30 p.m. The team has an extremely busy schedule with league playoffs to begin shortly.
