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| Jordan Bochinski |
The 17-year old Winnipeg product attempting to become the latest in a long line of Wheat Kings' success stories in finding undrafted talent.
Bochinski was listed by the Wheat Kings and attended training camp a year ago before being sent back to the AAA Midget ranks for more seasoning.
That's when things got even more interested for Bochinski, as he was cut by the Winnipeg Thrashers before the start of the MMHL season.
However, he got a second chance with the Winnipeg Wild and made the most of it, scoring 23 goals and 45 points in 44 regular season games and adding five goals and ten points in ten playoff games in helping the Wild claim the MMHL title.
"The kind of gave me a little bit of motivation, coming into Wheat Kings' camp too," said Bochinski after Thursday's morning scrimmage at Wheat Kings' training camp, "Being undrafted and coming here as an underdog, I want to prove people wrong again. I just want to keep working hard and I think the best will happen."
Bochinski's 2012-2013 campaign concluded with the rare championship double in late April, joining the MJHL's Steinbach Pistons during the playoffs and being with the team on their run to capturing the Turnbull Cup.
Although he didn't see any game action with the Pistons in the playoffs, Bochinski still feels the experience was worthwhile.
"It was just amazing, I can't even put it into words. Going from a championship team with the Wild to a championship team in Steinbach, you're around a lot of winners and you find out what it takes to win," said Bochinski, "If I'm lucky enough to be here this season, that's what I hope to bring to the table."
There's the rub for Bochinski, who not only has to prove himself at the Western Hockey League level, but is also competing at the forward position that the Wheat Kings are deep in prospects.
Among them are fellow 1996-born Manitobans Tyler Coulter, Brett Kitt, Ryley Lindgren and Taylor Sanheim, not to mention the 1997-born prospects like Braylon Shmyr, Jesse Gabrielle and Dakota Boutin.
"I think I'm ready. I've had a long summer of working out and training. I'm kind of getting to the point now where I'm getting to be a bit older, and it's crunch time and I have to bear down," said Bochinski, "I think I'm for sure ready, I don't think I could be in better shape right now so I think this is the year for me."
Thursday morning's action at Rookie Camp saw Tristen Elder get the shootout winner as Team Black beat Team White 4-3.
Jesse Gabrielle scored twice and Kirklan Lycar had the other for the Team Black in regulation while Taylor Sanheim, Dawson Waddell and Ty Lewis scored for Team White.
Rookie Camp concludes with the Young Guns Intrasquad Game on Thursday night (6:00 p.m., Westman Communications Group Place).
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