There’s a new player in Lloydminster’s U18 hockey landscape.
Team ownership has launched the U18 major Border City Thunder, a Lloyd-based franchise in the independent Premier Hockey League (PHL).
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Thunder president Trevor Bickerstaff says he created another hockey option in the Border City to give players more opportunities to play in a private league.
He said the PHL is comparable to the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL), which includes Lloydminster Athletics teams in multiple age divisions.
Bickerstaff believes that while JPHL competition is “very good calibre,” the PHL alternative is much less costly.
“I’m hoping to put Lloyd on the map and give people another opportunity to play,” he said. “Hopefully next year, we can add another team. My goal is to get U16 next year to feed U18, for affiliates, and then get U15 the year after.”
The U18 major program has already signed five players, including three from Lloydminster. Bickerstaff anticipates more signings soon, as 25 players attended an ID camp last weekend in Sherwood Park.
“ID camp went really well,” Bickerstaff reported. “We sent out six (more) offers to players from the camp.”
Prospects came from Lloydminster, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Red Deer, Fort McMurray and even Montana.
Dean Segberg has been named head coach of the Thunder.
“I feel he brings a lot of knowledge and experience,” Bickerstaff said of the former Lloydminster minor hockey executive.
Silas Reeds, a graduate of the junior B Lloydminster Bandits, is on board as an assistant coach, working primarily with the defence. Another assistant coach, and a goaltending coach, are forthcoming.
Local goaltender Jayce Nelson, who played U16 AA in Lloyd last winter, was signed Sunday night after camp. Earlier local signings were centre Ayden Bickerstaff — Trevor’s son — and defenceman Ryder Gamey. Those two players were Alberta Rockies U16 teammates in the PHL for the second half of last season.
The Thunder also signed former Rockies forwards Daxton Lee of Red Deer and Tyson Whelen of Edmonton. Lee led his team last season with 22 goals and 44 points in 28 games.
Lloydminster’s flagship team at the U18 level is the AAA Lancers, who play in the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
Bickerstaff put out the welcome mat to any players who don’t fit into the Lancers’ plans.
“If they don’t make it, or they don’t get the invite to the fall camp, they’re more than welcome to come skate with us (and) try out,” he said.
“We’re going to focus a lot on local kids, obviously being a local team, and we’re going to have some local sponsors. We’ll aim to promote local talent.”
Bickerstaff has partnered with Rene Weinkauf of World Class Gym in Lloydminster. Weinkauf serves as the Thunder manager and directs the team’s strength and conditioning.
Management is searching for billets for the coming season, while also developing an education strategy. The Thunder plan to structure as an academy in co-operation with the new Pursuit School of Sport opening in Lloydminster.
Bickerstaff expects the Thunder will skate in Lloyd during August in advance of their season opening later that month.
While all their PHL games will be on the road, as part of showcase-style tournament stops, the Thunder hope to schedule exhibition games in Lloyd and elsewhere.
Bickerstaff and his associates are confident there’s room for another development program in Lloyd to give prospects even more exposure.
“I just wanted to add something for people that maybe can’t make the AAA team here, or can’t afford the JPHL, but want to make a name for themselves and have an opportunity to develop and shine,” he said. “We present that because our costs are much less.
“There’s still an ID process. There’s still a tryout process. You still need to have some skill.
“Because it’s a private league, there’s no parent coaches. It’s all paid staff, so there’s no favouritism at all.”
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