Quintin Sudom has played all but 44 games of his junior career with the Swan Valley Stampeders and this is his second full season with the team and the first one was okay. Last year the team made the playoffs but were bounced in the first round.
This year, the team is in second place in the MJHL and they are definite title contenders. Entering play tomorrow, the Stamps are 27-9-3-2 which is one of their best starts in franchise history. Back in the 2002-2003 season, Swan Valley won 43 games.
"We're having a great year, I'm doing great personally and this is one of the best seasons in franchise history so it's great," said Sudom.
The 20-year-old Maple Ridge, BC native is also having a career year. In 41 games, the D-man has 48 points off of 15 goals. That's fourth in overall league scoring and he's smashing the rest of the defenders across the league as far as points come. Caelen McPhee of Portage is the next closest with 33 points. If Sudom even keeps up somewhat of the pace he's been on so far he'll win his first defensive scoring title in his junior hockey career.
"I had pretty high expectations for myself. I worked really hard in the off-season," said Sudom. "I obviously have had a lot of help from the guys around me as well. I'm really happy with how things have gone for sure."
"I really wanted to be on a team this year that has a chance of winning a Championship," he added. "We have a great group of guys and I wouldn't rather be playing with anyone else."
Quintin spent the first couple days of this week in Regina as he played in the MJHL/SJHL Showcase for Team Belfour. His team went 1-1.
"It was definitely a good test for some of the guys to play against a higher level of competition," said Sudom. "We had nine guys go, so coming back I really think our game is going to elevate even more than it has been."
For Sudom, his goal was simple in Regina. Impress the scouts as he hopes to continue his hockey career next year and going forward. That's something the smooth skating, big shot defender felt he did.
"Yeah, I talked to a couple scouts, I definitely want to go Division 1 if I get the opportunity," said Sudom. "I think if our team can make it far in the playoffs, I can show that I'm a leader and I should have a good chance of getting a nice scholarship."
Starting tomorrow night, Sudom and the Stampeders have 19 more games in the regular season. After that, the team will make a second straight appearance in the playoffs and Quintin knows with this being his last year of junior hockey, it's time to win now.
"I mean, for sure there will be some pressure heading into the playoffs to perform," said Sudom. "I also think the town really needs this, they support us so greatly and I want to give them a Championship."
Sudom and the Stamps head to Portage tomorrow to play the Terriers.
