The MJHL pre-season is winding down.
So that means players that aren't good enough to play in the league are getting cut on a near daily basis. But, not Swan River's Jackson Betcher.
The 17-year-old is still with the Stampeders organization as they enter their game tonight against OCN.
"Things have been going pretty good so far for sure," said Betcher. "There's lots of competition and everyone's working hard. There are still nine defencemen left, so I have lots of work to do."
Betcher's coming off a two-year run with the Parkland Midget Rangers.
The Swan River native improved immensely in his second year. He put up 14 points in his first year with the team, and more than doubled that last year with his 34 points.
As he looks to make the jump up to junior, he already knows it's been a tough transition.
"The pace is a lot higher then midget and the compete level is ramped up," said Betcher. "I just need to keep pushing myself. I can't really afford to make any mistakes or else the puck may end up in our net."
"It's been tough for sure, but I'm enjoying the challenge," added Betcher.
Despite the challenges Betcher is experiencing, he's got a good feeling he can make the squad.
"I'm pretty confident in myself right now," added Betcher. "I'm not going to push anything and say I'm on the team yet. But, I'm obviously hoping I will be."
Growing up in Swan River, Betcher had one big dream when he started playing hockey. That was to play for the Stampeders, and that dream has lived on throughout the years.
"It would be an absolute honour," said Betcher. "Especially as a 17-year-old cracking the roster and playing in my hometown. I'm just hoping I can make that dream happen."
Betcher will play his third pre-season game with the team tonight.
