Russell's Keaton Ziprick is one step closer to living his dream and getting the chance to head to the Canada Winter Games.
He's one of just three goalies in the entire province that made the Top 29 cut for Team Manitoba, that'll eventually represent the province at the CWG next year.
"It feels very special to me," said Ziprick. "I never thought I would make it this far. It's been an amazing experience, and I just really hope I can get a spot on the final team."
"I think they like the fact that I communicate with players as much as I can," he added. "I also like to play the puck lots, and come out and challenge."
With just three goalies left on the roster, Keaton has a 66.7 percent chance of making the final roster, but he's not letting that get to his head.
"I'm not putting extra pressure on myself," said Ziprick. "I'm just telling myself I have to work as hard as I possibly can, to stay as fit as I can to make this team."
Keaton has played against all of the remaining players, but, mostly as opponents, and he's enjoying playing with them.
"It's a really fun experience playing with all these guys," he added. "Everybody is so good, and all of them together makes us a really good team. It's really fun to play with them."
"Playing with all these guys has definitely made me a better goalie," he added. "And, the coaches are all fantastic. I'll definitely be able to take a lot back to the Rangers as well."
Keaton doesn't want to look too far ahead, but making the Canada Winter Games Manitoba Team would be really special.
"That would literally mean the world to me," said Ziprick. "To be able to go to Red Deer and represent our province would be amazing. It would be such a great experience."
Keaton and the rest of the 28 remaining athletes will meet up once again in August for another weekend of tryouts. From there, 27 athletes will be selected to take part in an exhibition tournament, and the CWG team will be announced after that.
AUDIO - Keaton Ziprick:
