HUMBOLDT — A trio of Humboldt products are looking to help lift Team Saskatchewan to gold at the prestigious WHL Cup tournament.
Dayne Beuker, Beckett Hamilton and Cohen Harris are all set to represent their province at Oct. 18-22 event in Red Deer. The tournament pits under-16 provincial all-star squads from Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia against each other.
“It is great to be able to represent your province, as well as having the opportunity to play with the best players from across Saskatchewan. I’m excited to showcase my skill set and compete against the top players from Western Canada,” said Beuker, the son of Torie and Dean.
Beuker is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound forward for the U18 AAA Saskatoon Blazers. As of Oct. 11, he had two goals and five points in three games. Harris, Beuker’s Blazers teammate, scored twice and accumulated four points through three games. He is a 5-foot-9, 140-pound forward. Hamilton was pacing the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League with 10 points, including four goals, through four games. The 5-foot-10, 150-pounder forward plays for the Warman Wildcats.
“All three of these players exhibit exceptional skills and playmaking abilities,” said Joel Houseman, Director of Operations of Sask First, which is Hockey Saskatchewan’s high-performance program. “They share a common thread of offensive instincts and a strong work ethic. Their top-tier skating abilities will undoubtedly benefit not only our team but also their individual hockey journeys as they progress further in their careers.”
The WHL Cup features the top players in their age group in Western Canada. Most competitors have been drafted in 2023 by Western Hockey League clubs or listed with them. This includes the Humboldt trio: Beuker, Lethbridge Hurricanes, 1st round, 14th overall; Hamilton, Red Deer Rebels, 1st round, 18th overall; and Harris, Spokane Chiefs, 3rd round, 47th overall. Past participants include current NHLers such as Matt Dumba, Arizona Coyotes; and Brayden Point, Tampa Bat Lightning.
“Playing in the WHL Cup will help me as a player because it’ll be the best players in my age group all competing with and against each other,” said Hamilton, the son of Lee and Chantal. “I’m excited to be pushed with this group of players. Also, I want our team to do well against the other provincial teams.”
To reach this level has certainly required skill and hard work. Family support has also played a key role.
“My family means everything to me, everything that has happened in my hockey career has been because of their support,” said Harris, the son of Chris and Nicole. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I am excited to be a part of the Sask First team and experience the WHL Cup.”
Regarding this year’s Team Saskatchewan, Houseman said “our most striking feature lies in our exceptional skill level and playmaking prowess.”
“Our primary aim is to set the pace and strive for the utmost improvement in each player,” he said. “We are committed to adopting a highly professional tactical approach for this tournament. Our coaching staff, led by Ryan McDonald, is truly exceptional, leaving no doubt that our players will be thoroughly prepared.”
The final roster of two goaltenders, six defencemen, and 12 forwards was arrived at through an intense selection process. On the Hockey Sask website, Houseman said things started last December “with a vision to harness and nurture the incredible talent that Saskatchewan has to offer.” He noted that the players evolved through “a rigorous selection process, intense training camps, and spirited tournament play.”
“There are several challenges to consider when assembling a team for the WHL Cup,” Houseman said. “Firstly, our players have limited time to adapt, given that we don't have a full season together. Consequently, they may find themselves adapting to a different style of play and assuming different roles compared to their club teams. Another significant challenge is fostering a sense of buy-in among the players. Given the high calibre of competition in these tournaments, success hinges on selflessness and unwavering commitment from each player. It can be particularly demanding when players transition from logging 20 minutes a game to potentially 8-10 minutes at times. However, at this level, prioritizing the team over individual achievements is essential for success.”
