The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
ItÕs been a dream for Zach Garrett and Carter LeClair to get their hockey careers going. And even though both are under the age of 16, the local players are on their way to Japan with the Manitoba AAA Polar Ice team. The team, which is based out of Brandon, is made up of players from across the province with LeClair from Flin Flon and Garrett from Creighton. With the chance of a lifetime on their doorstep, the boys couldnÕt turn the opportunity down. ÒIÕm excited,Ó says LeClair, a Defenceman, Centre and Wing man for the team. ÒItÕs a great experience and a great opportunity. I plan on making it as far as I can go.Ó With Canada being known for its hockey, Garrett says there are a couple things that draw him in. ÒI love how you always have to stay on your game to win. And the determination you need to drive yourself to come out with a win,Ó says Garrett. Growing up in the Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association and watching the Junior Bombers take the ice has given both of the young players a glimpse at big crowds. ÒI like the big crowds and the pressure, but smaller crowds are good too,Ó said Garrett. ÒWith small (crowds), the rink is a lot quieter, but I like the big crowds because I love to hear the fans and get a good energy boost from them.Ó Both LeClair and Garrett, along with their team members, will be heading to Japan on August 5 where the boys will be billeted to families. They will learn the Japanese culture as well as share a few Canadian cultures as well. ÒWe plan on showing them what Canadian kids do,Ó said LeClair. ÒMaybe IÕll bring a road hockey video or something. I donÕt know if they do that. Or maybe play hide-and-go-seek.Ó On the same note, Garrett plans to show off the Flin Flon Bombers. ÒIÕm going to take pins of Flin Flon and Creighton....and bring some Bomber stuff to show them what and how the team is.Ó As a team, the Manitoba Polar Ice have been practicing since April in Brandon. The team will be playing in the Olympic Stadium, where in the past, games have been sold out. ÒItÕs kinda cool. WeÕre playing International hockey where we are playing for our Country Ð We are like International Superstars,Ó he said with a smile. Both Garrett, who plays Forward for the team, and LeClair agreed they are playing with a great group of guys. ÒWe love it,Ó they said. ÒWe have a great time and itÕs like weÕve been playing together for four or five years.Ó Though neither of the boys have been outside of Canada to play hockey, both are excited to see the differences from Flin Flon and Creighton to Japan. ÒI think we are the first ones from Flin Flon to go to Japan,Ó says LeClair. ÒSome have gone further, but not to Japan.Ó Going into Japan, the players already know there are some key differences in the game. ÒThey donÕt have as much body contact and they have more stick handling,Ó noted Garrett, with LeClair adding, ÒThey have more finesse and speed.Ó
