Jakob Brook isn't letting his age stop him from playing the game he loves at a super high level.
The 16-year-old from Roblin officially wrapped up his first pre-season with a WHL team over the weekend as the Prince Albert Raiders beat Saskatoon, 5-2.
Jakob suited up in five of the team's pre-season games.
"Things have been going absolutely awesome," said Brook. "The team's been great to me and they've really shown me what a day as a WHL player looks like."
"The school has more people in it then my hometown has people so that's been pretty cool," he added. "The training has been good and all the guys are great. It's been a great road so far."
Being just 16, Jakob will be one of the younger players in the entire league. But, he doesn't plan on letting that slow him down at all.
"The league is really fast and that's really my best asset," said Brook. "I'm always relying on my speed and winning races to pucks. Of course, it's been challenging at times, but I'm definitely getting used to it more every day."
Brook failed to pick up a point in his five tune-up games. But being 16, the Raiders aren't necessarily banking on him lighting up the scoreboard at this stage in his career on a game to game basis.
What they are looking for is hard work and determination at all times. That's something Jakob is ready to give.
"I'm going to work as hard as I can because that's what I love to do," said Brook. "I love to make myself better every day. I just need to keep improving so that I get as many chances as possible. It's all a process and I'm ready for it."
Now the Roblin native and the rest of the Raiders are back on the ice as they prepare for their home opener. They welcome the Regina Pats to the Art Hauser Centre on Friday evening.
"I'm insanely pumped up for that," said Brook. "It's going to be such an amazing experience. I really hope the town can come out and pack the rink. It's going to be a once in a lifetime for me, so I can't wait."
"It's just about keeping it simple," he added. "I just need to play how I always play and use my speed."
Last year the Raiders snuck into the post-season as a wild-card team. Jakob has a good feeling this year's squad is also a playoff team.
"The team should be really good," added Brook. "We have a lot of returning guys and some good young players. There is a lot of fuel to win games. The coaches are all ready to go and we're pumped. It should be a good season."
In case you're wondering, Brook and the Raiders will be in Brandon to take on the Wheat Kings on November 17.
