Walking into a new arena and joining a new team can be a titanic task, but it’s one that Matthew Busch is excited about.
The Innisfail, Alberta product is now a member of Titans Hockey Union in the 14U division of the Junior Prospects Hockey League, and he can’t wait to see how he measures up to his new teammates.
“It’s like a shock to the body,” explained the 14-year-old forward. “It’s going to be an awesome year.”
The excitement is something that Garrett Meger never gets tired of seeing. The THU Hub General Manager and 18U Head Coach shares his players' enthusiasm.
“They’re getting to see the facility and the dressing room, hopefully it’s a place where they are playing for the next 3-4 years.”
Jacob Bevington is a returning forward. He’s moving up from the 15U program to the 17U division. While sleeping in and learning the guitar were his summer highlights, waking up early for hockey, is music to his ears now!
“Getting back to the rink ready to put in a good season’s worth,” said the soon-to-be 15-year-old. “I’m getting ready to play the sport I love.”
Getting a tour of their new home is exciting for the players, but also their parents, who also want a little piece of mind with the excitement.
“We understand it is a big decision to switch programs or even some players being in billet situations,” explained Meger. “So for the parents to be able to come in and see the people involved and get a little bit of a sense of assuredness that they’re in a good spot, it means a lot to them too.”
Along with his new team, Matthew Busch has a new arena, dressing room, and road trips, that will come with a busload of new teammates and he’s ready for it all.
“It feels really honoured to be a Titan, it’s such a cool academy.”
Teams hit the ice this week in preparation for the first showcase event on September 13th-15th in Lloydminster, Ab and Abbotsford, B.C. respectively.