Brigade and Church Facing Elimination

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STEEL REMAIN HOT AS CHURCH HEATS UP

The Junior Showcase is wrapping up, and it seems like the Brigade are in for a challenge tonight against the Steel in elimination games

 

SASKATOON, SK -- A story from the Junior Showcase this off-season has been the quick development of Center Wesley Church with the Brigade team, but that story may be coming to a close tonight with the Brigade facing elimination in the semi-final against the Steel. 

 

The playoff round has seen the VHLM prospect move up to the second line unit and has seen double the amount of time on the ice for the Brigade. This has been a welcome change after being at the bottom of the ice time for the team through the round robin. 

 

"I want to show that I have a lot to give out there," said Church after the team's morning practice. "I want to be someone that the guys can rely on and in these important games it's important to keep that mindset. I'm just going out there tonight with the idea that we're going to stay alive."

 

Church's optimism is going to definitely be needed with the team currently being down 3-1 in the series. The Steel team has been phenomenal through the playoffs so far and with the momentum siding with them, it will certainly be a challenge for the Brigade. Church has added two important goals for the team through the four playoffs games so far but has yet to put up any assists. Regardless, the performance so far has been enough to rank him in the top few forwards for the team which is a nice change from the round robin where he was struggling to get minutes. 

 

With the VHL Entry Draft coming up in just over a day and the VHLM Dispersal Draft to come shortly after, Church knows this is the opportunity to show general managers that he is putting in the work and wants to be a successful pick for any team willing to let him pursue his career. There have been many VHLM scouts in attendance for the games looking to find their next star to build around.

 

"My current focus is on this tournament and doing whatever I can for the Brigade," said Church. "I have had some discussions with teams during the off times but I'm going to handle those things only when the time comes. I know that I will have a strong chance of hearing my name called at the Dispersal Draft and I'm ready to give everything I've got to that franchise. For now though, I need to make sure we beat the Steel."

 

There is a challenge ahead for the Brigade if they intend to win three in a row to advance in the tournament, but if the confidence of one of their stars in Church is enough to inspire the rest of the team then maybe a church declaring a new pope won't be the biggest thing a Church does today. Be sure to catch the remaining games as the Junior Showcase heads towards the final round tonight!