Wyatt Anaka of Stenen may only be 17 years old but is looking forward to a hockey career full of possibilities. He learned to skate at an early age and began playing hockey as soon as he was old enough.
His accomplishments, skills and dedication to the sport have led him to being scouted, trying out and making the Fox Creek Ice Kings Junior A team in Alberta.
Anaka played most of his younger hockey career from novice to midget with the Preeceville Minor Hockey Association.
Throughout his younger hockey years, he achieved numerous accomplishments and was acknowledged for his dedication to hockey.
In his second year of playing under 18 hockey he was invited to play with the Flin Flon Bombers Midget AA hockey team. "The opportunity and experiences of being able to play a higher calibre of hockey and getting on the ice to play was incredible," said Anaka.
For the 2020/2021 season he was signed by the Fox Creek Ice Kings Junior A team in Alberta. He kicked off his season in mid-October but soon after on November 12 COVID -19 restrictions halted all sports games. But before the shutdown Anaka was with the team when they won their first game of the season. He plays the wing position on the team but in his earlier years he would play both defense and wing.
"I like to play both positions but my physical size is better apt at playing wing positions. I am quick on my skates which enables my team to get set up better on the ice. Once the regulations shut down all game play we were only allowed to practice with nine players on the ice at one time. Since it is so far away for me to travel for practices, my coaches told me to stay home and concentrate on my school work and studies as I will be graduating from the Sturgis Composite High School in the spring," said Anaka.
"We are all hoping that when the restrictions are lifted we can have a partial or full hockey season. It has been a challenge for me with being away from my family and friends but I am looking forward to bettering my skills and techniques in my goal to becoming a better hockey player which will hopefully allow me to see my dream of furthering my career come true."
Anaka was also scouted by the Weyburn Red Wings Junior A Team but because he was the youngest member he was unable to play. He hopes to further his education in the future in the field of Professional Fire Fighting or Armed Forces in the Search and Rescue field.
He credits his parents Jason and Stacy Anaka and other family members with being his key supporters in striving for his hockey goal.
