Ste. Rose's Kurtis Luke spent the last few years with the Parkland Midget Rangers and enjoyed his fair share of success.
But, now that the 18-year-old has graduated from the league, and his hope is to make the jump up to the Western Hockey League.
He's set to head to Lethbridge to try out for the Hurricanes. A camp that kicks off this weekend.
"It's very exciting," said Luke. "It's going to be nice to wear a visor, but I'm really excited to see what the WHL level is like compared to Midget AAA and the MJHL. It's going to be a really good experience, and I'm hoping for the best."
"I know it's going to be a pretty challenging leap up," he added. "But, I feel like I can fit in and do my part. I'll be giving it my all."
For players who hope to play at the next level, the summer months are just as important as the winter ones as it gave Luke an opportunity to train hard and prepare for what will be a tough camp.
"I've been working out a lot all summer," said Luke. "I've also been working lots on my cardio, and getting back on the ice with the PSFS 4 on 4 Summer Hockey League. It's all about being physically and mentally ready for the camp, so I've been doing anything I can to make sure I will be."
In the past two seasons with the Rangers, Luke definitely showed how capable he is offensively. He suited up in 86 games, and scored 42 times and added another 62 assists. Those 104 points made him well over a point-per-game player.
But, Luke is ready to be any type of player the Hurricanes need out on the ice.
"I definitely feel like I'm offensively talented, so if that's what they need I'll give that to them," said Luke. "But, at the same time, if they need a hard working gritty type of player, I can do that as well. I'm all in, and I'll do whatever I have to do."
