Brady Kashuba, 13 years old, of Preeceville had the opportunity to continue his dream of playing in the big leagues when he recently was invited as a goalie in the North American Hockey Classic Male Super Elite and AAA men's hockey tournament in Winnipeg on June 13 to 16.
The Male Super Elite and AAA men's hockey divisions are composed of top provincial and state teams, stated the hockey web site.
"He was invited by coaches to come play after he was scouted by professionals," stated Rachael Kashuba, mom.
Kashuba played with the Junior Oilers based out of Okotoks, Alta. There were 16 teams from across Canada, the United States and Sweden in attendance at the tournament. Prior to playing an exhibition game against Sweden on June 12, the team gathered for one practice in Calgary.
Kashuba's team won a bronze medal in the tournament. Other teams entered were: Laker Academy, Southern Alberta Battle, Junior Oilers, Peace Country Predators, Minnesota Blades, 2K5 Warriors, WEHP Selects, Junior Oil Kings, Sweden Warriors, International Stars, Vancouver Selects, Minnesota Machine, My Edge Hockey, Can Am Selects, NA Lighting and Pinnacle Selects.
"It was a tremendous experience for me," said Kashuba. " It was very intimidating at first with so many people and scouts all watching me in net. But by the middle of the tournament I settled into net and it felt great and I even got a shutout during the bronze medal game. My passion is hockey and I am encouraged in my future to strive for the WHL or NHL. In general, it was a great tournament with making new friends and the possibility of being scouted is huge.
“I am very excited to continue my hockey career. The opportunity to be able to play a higher calibre of hockey was amazing, " he concluded.
Kashuba has been playing hockey since he was a novice in Preeceville but has been on skates since he could walk. He has always played goalie and has attended numerous camps and schools to help him become a better goaltender. He is enrolled in the Preeceville School.
