Last week Hockey Manitoba unveiled the roster for Team Manitoba’s U-16 team. Stampeders 2017 1st round pick (3rd overall), and current Southwest Cougar Midget AAA Defenseman Cory King was named to the team.
The selection process began with player scouting throughout the 2016-17 Bantam season followed by U-16 Program of Excellence (POE) camps held in April, May, and August then finishing with a final evaluation exhibition game in late September. U-16 Team Manitoba will travel October 15 – 22 to compete at the 2017 WHL Cup which includes a pre-tournament exhibition game against the centralized pre-Olympic roster for the National Women’s Team.
Talking to Cory, he is very and grateful for the opportunity to represent the province. When asked about the lengthy selection process, he mentioned that “I didn’t have as strong of a showing at the POE camps as I would have liked.” But went on to add that after the August camp and exhibition game “I felt I played very well and had shown enough to be deserving of a spot on the team.” It would appear the coaches agreed.
Cory took place in his 1st Stampeders training camp this fall. The coaching staff was impressed with his skating and overall composure, especially considering he was up against guys as many as 5 years his senior. Had there not been rules preventing 15 year olds to dress in exhibition games, it is quite likely that Cory would have had the opportunity to dress in preseason games.
When asked about his future, King indicated that his goal for next year is “to play with the Stampeders as a 16 year old. I was very impressed with the professionalism of the camp. Everything done was first class. I look forward to being a part of that.” With NCAA aspirations, the MJHL is a perfect stepping stone for a player like Cory.
In the meantime, Cory (3gp -0g-3a) will continue to anchor the Cougars blueline with fellow Stamps prospect Callum Fortin (3gp-1G-3a).
The Stampeders would like to wish Cory and all of Team Manitoba good luck as they move forward into competition.