WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

WHL Players in the Community

Published on January 21, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


The journey to becoming a world-class hockey player for many youngsters begins by playing in the Western Hockey League. This usually means having to venture away from home to big cities like Seattle, WA or smaller centers, such as Red Deer, AB to start their junior careers. However, this usually means a path that leads to experiences that players can take with them beyond the game of hockey.

Teams around the Western Hockey League help make players feel welcome in their new surroundings by not only providing, friendly billets with comfortable homes, but unique opportunities for the players to get directly involved with their adopted communities.

Many of the teams have affiliated themselves with local Elementary and High Schools with the idea of allowing the players to talk to students about the importance of staying in school and maintaining healthy life styles.

Recognizable names from around the WHL are taking part in these programs. Adam Courchaine of the Vancouver Giants and Mitch Love of the expansion Everett Silvertips are two prime examples of young hockey players adjusting to their new surroundings by getting involved.

"I think it is very important to get out in the community especially for a new team in the WHL and in a new city," said Mitch Love, who was picked up by the Silvertips in the expansion draft from the Swift Current Broncos.

A native of Quesnel, BC, Love started his career on the Prairies in Moose Jaw, SK, where hockey was a way of life for most kids. The move to Everett, WA, was somewhat of change for Love, known more for his role as an enforcer than an educator. Love now finds himself educating the youngsters on the importance of setting goals and even introducing them to the game of hockey.

"The city of Everett has given so much support in the first four months of the season and I feel it is important to give back to the community," said Love after recently accompanying teammate Bryan Nathe to Northshore Christian Academy to speak to the students about their personal experiences in hockey and their goals after hockey.

Keith Gerhart, Director of Public Relations for the Silvertips added: "Every time I mention about going to a school, Mitch and others are always first to participate. He has been a role model for fans and the younger kids in Everett and has backed everything up with his work in schools and the community."

For Adam Courchaine, who left his family in Winnipeg, MB to play for the Giants in Vancouver, BC, the move has been made significantly easier due to the Giants direct involvement in the community. Courchaine, the Giants leading scorer, has been an all-star off the ice by taking a major role in the Giants "Read to Succeed" program that stresses the importance of literacy and education to grade fours and fives around the Lower Mainland.

"The program has been an overwhelming success, " said Dale Saip, Director of Team Services. "Adam has been a bonus to program and seems to have adjusted very well to the West Coast life style."

Courchaine, in addition to school programs, has joined teammates in many player appearances on behalf of the Giants. He even stayed in Vancouver this past summer to work part-time at a nursery owned and operated by former British Columbia Premier Bill Vander Zalm.

"The Giants will be hard-pressed to replace Adam and all his efforts," Saip added.

Western Hockey League teams are also huge supporters of local charities and with the help of their players, are able to raise funds for these organizations.

One player who has taken it upon himself to give back to the community and to the kids for whom he serves as a role model is former Regina Pats goaltender Josh Harding. While playing in front of his hometown fans, Harding personally donated $1.00 to the Regina Palliative Care's "Caring for Hearts Program" for every save he made throughout the year. Before being traded to the Brandon Wheat Kings, Harding donated over $800.00 to the local charity. Even with the trade, Harding has vowed to continue the program from Brandon.

"When I signed my contract (with Minnesota), I wanted to give something back to the community that has meant so much to me," said Harding, who signed with the Minnesota Wild after being selected in second round (38th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. "The city of Regina has given a lot to me and this was a way to say thank you and a great opportunity to help local children's charities."

With the move to the Wheat Kings, Brandon officials were delighted to get Harding in a Wheat King uniform to solidify their goaltending. His leadership abilities off the ice are an added bonus to his goaltending abilities.

"Josh brings us experience and leadership, which is something that we needed as we get set for the second half of the season," Assistant Coach Dwayne Gylywoychuk added. "There's no question that Josh is a real steadying influence on and off the ice."

In addition to providing young hockey players the chance to play in the world's finest development league, it is a mandate of the WHL to develop top quality individuals. Thus, with the help of WHL teams and their supporting communities, young players are truly gaining an experience in life they can take with them away from the rink.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2004


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