Robson relishes last days of junior hockey career

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This article was published 28/02/2025 (281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Luke Robson isn’t ready for the ride to be over.

He’s too busy enjoying his final days of junior hockey, not focusing on the outcome just yet, but rather soaking up every second he can.

In a junior hockey career that started as a first overall selection and has spanned thousands of kilometres, it’s concluding about an hour down the road from home.

While it’s been a heck of a ride, the Carberry product is trying to drag the Virden Oil Capitals back to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs, and in doing so extend his junior career as long as possible.

After coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic as a 17-year-old rookie with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, who selected him first overall in the 2019 MJHL draft, he went on to play in four different provinces and had a brief stint south of the border.

He signed a standard player agreement for his 18-year-old season with the Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings after being traded from the Moose Jaw Warriors, who drafted him 178th overall in the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft.

Never the biggest player, but never short on skill, Robson took his strides on the ice and across western Canada that year as he played 60 games with Edmonton before just two with Seattle.

Not long after that it was time to pack his bags again, as Virden acquired his rights at the start of last year, but it’s worked out well as the last two seasons flew by, and now he’s hoping to keep playing in a place he’s grown to love.

“All the way out west and even a stop in Seattle, but Virden has been a great place to play,” said Robson.

“The coaching staff is top-notch. They’re always willing to help out and lend a hand and the player staff as well. It’s been a great ride and everyone here has treated me great.”

With Wednesday’s 5-1 win over the Winnipeg Blues, Virden is just one point back of Waywayseecappo for fourth in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s West Division.

“Obviously we’re fighting for that last playoff spot and hopefully everyone is joining in to pull that rope in the right direction,” said Robson.

“Everyone’s got a job on this team and we’re hopefully all pulling together in the same direction. I think we’re a team that can get the job done.

“We as a group know what we need to do. Obviously, there is that expectation of making the playoffs, but we don’t feel pressure. We want to make the playoffs for ourselves and everyone in the room is striving for that goal.”

The fleet-footed forward plays at a very high pace, as his footwork and quick hands make up for what he lacks in size.

His height certainly doesn’t match his effort, as that’s through the roof.

“My speed is one big thing that can help out. If I can get in hard on the forecheck I think that can help. I don’t mind to get in there and bump some bodies,” said Robson.

“Obviously I’m not the biggest guy, but I don’t mind trying to knock them off the puck and obviously if I can put the puck in the back of the net that would really help out too.”

Despite his heart and his ability to create space, it hasn’t always translated to points this year.

In 52 games, he’s scored 11 goals and added 13 assists for 24 points.

For an offensive-minded forward, half a point per game isn’t a dazzling stat, but he sits fourth on his team in scoring.

If he and the veteran-laden forward group can find another level to their game in the next two weeks, they’ll be happy to be playing the most meaningful hockey deeper into March.

If anyone thinks they, and specifically Robson can do it, it’s head coach Tyson Ramsey.

“He’s a great skater, so he’s got the ability to get some separation and give himself the chance to score and break games open,” said Ramsey.

“He’s maybe been snake-bitten the last little while in terms of getting the puck to go in the net, but he’s that kind of guy that can create a situation to score a big goal for us when we really need it, so we’re hoping he’ll have more luck here soon.”

Robson isn’t sure what next year will entail just yet. He hopes to play university hockey, but isn’t giving that much thought right now.

He’s too busy focusing on the next few weeks.

“I love the game of hockey. I’ve lived the game as long as I’ve been breathing. I want to keep playing hockey as long as I can, so hopefully that will be the case.”

In the height of his team’s push to reach the post-season for the twelfth consecutive season, Ramsey’s message is much the same.

“Stay with it. We’re playing pretty well, we’re doing the right things, we just need to be a little heavier around their net and heavier around ours,” said Ramsey.

“You’ve got to have a short memory, because we need every point we can get. It’s a matter of ‘Get right back to work for the next one, and be ready to play your best.’”

The Oil Capitals play six more games in the regular season, starting with next Tuesday’s tilt against Niverville at Tundra Oil & Gas Place.

Waywayseecappo also has six games left and a one-point advantage in the West Division standings entering Saturday’s game against Portage.

» mpackwood@brandonsun.com