Easton Odut was instrumental in the Brandon Wheat Kings U15 team's success last season.
He recorded 75 points last year in the regular season and another 14 in the playoffs as the Wheat Kings won the league title. Now that Odut has moved up to the U18 level, he's back to much of the same thing with his new team. Odut has once again been instrumental in the U18 club's success this season as they lead the league with 67 points ahead of their game on Wednesday against the Parkland Rangers. Brandon has won 32 of their 41 games this season as they are poised to make a run at a league title.
"We're playing very well and the playoffs are right around the corner," said Odut. "We just have to continue working hard and playing to our strengths and if we do that, we give ourselves the best chance to succeed."
While Odut hasn't produced quite as much as last season, the 15-year-old has been a regular on the score sheet with 19 goals and 14 assists. Averaging nearly a point per game, Odut is enjoying the opportunities he is getting with the Wheat Kings.
"It's been a pretty big step compared to last year, sure I would have liked to put up a few more points," offered Odut. "With that said, I'm pretty proud of what I have been able to produce with this team."
Having a great passion for the game, Odut also made his Western Hockey League debut with the Wheat Kings this season, a team that he has already signed his Standard Player Agreement with as Odut suited up in two games with the big club. Easton learned first-hand how quick the game becomes and how quickly decisions must be made.
"It was neat, it was awesome, it was nerve-racking, especially that first game," said Odut. "All the boys were really welcoming and my rookie lap was very special, it makes me feel that all my hard work is paying off."
Odut will be on the ice for Wednesday's game when Brandon welcomes the Rangers to town; however, that will be his last regular-season contest with the team as he is set to board a flight with the destination being Prince Edward Island.
After a rigorous selection process, Easton made the Manitoba U16 male hockey team as he will represent the province at the Canada Winter Games and the Manitoba men play their first game on Sunday against Team Quebec. They will also play Team Saskatchewan on February 20 before wrapping up their round-robin the following day against Team New Brunswick.
Manitoba has never won a gold medal at the men's hockey event. The Canada Winter Games, in all, welcomes more than 3500 athletes from across Canada.
"I never really thought I would get this chance, but I am so excited about this," ended Odut. "The Canada Winter Games are widely known as the 'Mini Olympics' and I can't wait to represent my province."
