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Easten Turko was selected in the third round, 59th overall by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2024 U15 draft.

Held virtually, it was a special moment for Easten and his entire family in McCreary as they shared the special moment. Now living in Brandon for the past couple of years, Turko was provided an opportunity to show off his skills with the Western Hockey League (WHL) club as they held their main camp over the weekend at Westoba Place and the J&G Homes Arena.

It was Easten's first WHL camp and it was one that he will forever remember.

"It was an awesome experience, you always get excited for camp to get going," said Turko. "My camp went great, I believe I did very well. It was great fun to be out there will all the guys, it was a great weekend."

As an undersized defenceman standing in at just 5'7" and 137lbs, it's up to Easten to find different ways to be effective. He notes his great skating ability is exactly what is needed at all times.

"My skating is top-notch and allows me to keep up, my stick work is also very effective against the older players," said Turko. "I was quite effective in poke-checking the puck off the older guys' sticks while keeping up with them with my skating. The coaching staff had some positive things to say in my exit meetings so I was pleased with how things went."

While Easten does not possess the towering size that some other blue-liners do, he doesn't shy away from contact. He has been working hard in the gym to gain muscle which allows him to come out of battles with the puck. 

It was also a family affair at Wheat Kings camp as Easten was joined by his brother Brady. Brady helped the U18 Wheat Kings win a provincial championship last year and also scored the game-winning goal against Saskatoon at the Telus Cup West Regionals.

In a draft day steal, Brady was drafted in the fifth round, 97th overall in the 2022 draft. Brandon's coaching staff often pitted the two against each other and Easten enjoyed trying to stop his brother.

"Brady and I played a lot of minor hockey growing up in McCreary and to be drafted by the same WHL team is very special after all those years in our hometown," offered Easten. "Playing against him in camp was super fun, we're both very competitive guys. I look forward to playing with him in the future."

Brady also notched eight goals and 11 points in the Telus Cup last year. While they are two different players, Easten is always improving his offensive capabilities and it's Brady that helps him plenty along the way.

"It's awesome watching Brady, he's always someone that I have looked up to," said Easten. "He's always there for me and always helps me out with tips and pushes me. To get the chance to play on the same WHL team would be extremely special and I'm looking forward to watching what should be a great year for him."

Easten will continue living in Brandon as he prepares for the new season and his first with the U18 club. They open their season on September 28 in Winnipeg against the Bruins at the Southdale Community Centre.

The U18 organization is coming off last year's historic season and while they graduated several players from last year's team, they are once again expected to be very competitive. Easten has gone from being a young gun on the U15 team to a veteran on the team and now, he's heading back to being a young gun on the U18 team which is always a challenge that he looks forward to.

Making the jump from U15 to U18 is not an easy task for many but all indications lead towards Easten not only making the jump but doing so seamlessly and excelling at a high level.

"I expect the pace to be quicker and guys are bigger and faster," said Turko. "I'll do my best to keep up with the pace which I believe I will be able to do."

Turko will be one of several U15 players set to join the U18 team.

Over the past two years with the younger team, Easten amassed great success. Posting 20 points across 47 games including playoffs during the 2022-23 season, Easten helped the U15 Wheat Kings win a provincial title.

Back last year with another year of experience under his belt, the McCreary star took his game to the next level with 11 goals and 34 assists in 32 regular season games and another seven assists across 11 playoff games.

The result? The same as the previous year as Turko once again helped the Wheat Kings win a provincial title. It was a magical two-year run for the program and Turko loved every moment of being a part of it.

"It feels great, winning back-to-back with the guys was an incredible feeling," offered Turko. "Everyone loves winning, so it was very special."

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Easten is also extremely grateful for every opportunity that he was given during his time in McCreary playing minor hockey in his hometown. He was often called up to play in higher age groups and played alongside his brother for many years.

McCreary is a small town with a population of roughly 500 and year after year, stars from that community are shining bright. Another case is Ryan Gower who's currently with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL.

"I played with the McCreary Mustangs and made so many amazing memories over the years," ended Turko. "I had a great chance to bond with my brother and improve my skills. I had some amazing buddies and I am very proud to say that I am from McCreary."