By taking a chance and heading east, Flin Flon’s Ethan Stuckless found a place where he could show what he can do and compete for a championship – northern Ontario.
Stuckless’s Red Lake Miners made it to the finals in the Superior International Hockey League (SIJHL) this year, losing the championship series to the Thunder Bay North Stars in five games. A 19-year-old, Stuckless earned a top-line role for the junior A Miners this season after playing 12 games for Waywayseecappo of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and 23 for the OCN Storm of the Keystone Junior Hockey League (KJHL) in 2017-2018.
“It’s been a long journey, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” Stuckless said.
He has been a key player for the Miners, who were 38-15-3-9 in the regular season. Stuckless had 10 goals and 42 points in 36 games. He plays on a line with Bryce Young of The Pas, who was the league’s MVP and rookie of the year this season. Young scored a league-best 60 goals, the second most in SIJHL history. Miners head coach Derek Sweet-Coulter said Stuckless assisted on many of those. Stuckless and Young are paired on a dangerous penalty kill. Young had seven shorthanded goals this season, while Stuckless had one.
“Ethan is a heart and soul, glue guy,” Sweet-Coulter said. “A very physical player, hits everything, and sees the ice incredibly well. He is a great setup man and passes the puck very well.”
The Miners bench boss said Stuckless brought a tireless work ethic to the team.
“On the ice, he has a never-give-up attitude and is always one of our hardest workers,” Sweet-Coulter said. “Off the ice, he was a servant leader in our community and developed positive relationships that will last a lifetime. A humble young man that we are honoured to have as part of the Red Lake Miners organization.”
Flin Flon Bombers head coach Mike Reagan helped connect Stuckless with the Miners. Sweet-Coulter and Stuckless talked over the summer about Red Lake and the team. Stuckless knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity and is thrilled to be playing in Red Lake, which is less than 100 kilometers from the Manitoba border and 535 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay.
“My time in Red Lake has been nothing short of amazing,” he said. “It reminds me a lot of home, to be honest. Lakes and bush all over. A lot of opportunities to hunt, fish or explore.”
Stuckless has also enjoyed his teammates. As Sweet-Coulter emphasizes team building and volunteer work, the Miners are together much of the day – whether it be practising, helping out in the community or watching a movie at someone’s house. Stuckless said the difference between this team and any other he has played on is the relationships.
“We all understood that the game is 90 per cent mental, so Derek taught us how to come together and stay positive and that’s why I think we have had so much success this year,” he said. “We don’t have a single individual in the locker room. We all play for the brother next to us – working as one together.”
The Miners give back to the community in various ways.
“This town really supports the Miners and has a ton of people devoting their personal time just to make sure we get to live our dream,” Stuckless said. “It’s always nice to give back and show how much we appreciate all the hard work they do for us.”
The son of Marty Stuckless and Stephanie Sapergia started playing hockey when he was five. He credits his father for having a big impact on his career. The elder Stuckless did not miss a game or practice unless he was working. He also provided support when Stuckless, a bit of a late bloomer, did not make AA teams.
“My dad always taught me to stay positive and never allow what other people think to bother me. The best thing you can do is prove them wrong,” Stuckless said. “He is huge on work ethic and being responsible, so I tried my best to follow suit. If it wasn’t for him, I would not be where I am in hockey and my life. He impacted me more than I can explain and I can’t thank him enough.”
