Play in the Manitoba AAA U-18 Hockey League has been paused as Manitoba is currently under 'Code Red' on the Pandemic Response System. So although we won't be seeing live hockey for at least the next month, fans were treated to the Sloan Stanick show seven times before the pause.
The Yellowhead U-18 Chief who lives on a farm just outside of Rapid City was on a torrid pace as he already scored 10 goals and had four assists in just seven games. His 14 points are tied for the third-most in the league while his 10 markers are only behind Hunter Wallace who has found the back of the net 11 times. The 17-year-old also leads Yellowhead in scoring.
"I feel I've done quite a good job in trying to help the younger kids develop," said Stanick. "It's been a pretty good start to the season. Unfortunately, we won't be playing for a while, but there's nothing we can do about that."
This year's Yellowhead team also features a brotherly bond as Sloan is joined by Slade. Slade, a prospect of the Dauphin Kings has scored five goals this season while adding four assists.
"It's pretty great playing with my brother, we have a lot of chemistry together and he's a great player," offered Stanick.
In the team's last two games against Norman -- both of which were wins -- Sloan scored five goals and added one assist. As Yellowhead improved to 4-3 on the season, Stanick was recognized for his contributions as he was named the league's player of the week. He also now has a seven-game point streak as the league takes a break.
"It's a nice feeling to be recognized. I put in a ton of work this past summer which has helped me," said Stanick. "I also have some great teammates and I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing without them."
Queen City bound:
After playing with Yellowhead in the 2018-2019 season, Sloan played with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League last season. He played in 49 of the team's games and he scored two goals while adding two assists.
With the WHL season set to start on January 8, Sloan will report to training camp in Regina after Christmas. Sloan broke onto the WHL scene last season and now, he's looking forward to making a bigger impact on a team that will feature Connor Bedard.
The 15-year-old from North Vancouver was drafted first overall by Regina in the 2020 U-15 Draft after he was granted exceptional status.
"Playing with Regina was a great opportunity last year and I learned a ton," ended Stanick. "I developed a lot and became way more aware of what I need to do to succeed. I know what needs to happen going into this season and I'm excited about it."
