Be willing to do what it takes even if it means doing the uncomfortable.
That’s a lesson Colby House learned early as a centre with the Western Kings entry in the Newfoundland and Labrador AAA bantam hockey league.
Colby, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student at Corner Brook Intermediate, had his first taste of provincial AAA bantam hockey when he suited up for nine games with the Central Ice Pak as an alternate.
Colby was disappointed last winter when he found out that the Western Kings folded from provincial league play because there weren’t many players interested in making the commitment that comes with AAA hockey with weekends tied up with games.
He was happy to play for the Corner Brook Royals Bantam A team that won gold at provincials last season, but his desire to compete with the best in his age group wouldn’t go away so he jumped at a chance to be an alternate with the Ice Pak and spend his time travelling back and forth.
He didn’t want to lose a game of hockey and finished out the season with the Ice Pak with hopes of the Kings being born again in the West.
“I think playing against good players can help you become a better player so I wanted to play AAA hockey,” Colby said of his decision to tag along with the Ice Pak.
The Kings returned to the provincial league this winter and he’s happy to be wearing No. 21. He’s looking forward to showing local fans what the team looks like when they host the TriPen Ice for three home games this weekend at the Kinsmen Arena II.
The Kings opened the season with four losses on the road, but Colby isn’t looking at the record. He believes the team has a lot of speed and skill, but a lot of the guys are going to need some time to adjust and once they do Colby believes they will give a good account of themselves.
He’s a forward who is expected to make a contribution in both ends of the rink and he’s excited about doing his part to win games, but he says he’s also going to enjoy the experience and have fun with a good group of guys he now calls teammates.
The first game of the three-game series is scheduled for Saturday 11 a.m. at the Kinsmen Arena II. Game 2 goes Saturday 6 p.m. at the Kinsmen Arena II and the final game of the week takes place Sunday 9 a.m. at the Kinsmen Arena II.
