2020 BANTAM DRAFT: Trembecky eager to get started

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This article was published 06/05/2020 (2162 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s nothing quite like get picked in the Western Hockey League bantam draft to dial up a young hockey player’s motivation level.

The Brandon Wheat Kings selected forward Teydon Trembecky of Strathcona, Alta., in the third round with the 57th overall selection on April 22. He’s thrilled to be part of a WHL organization.

“You see that someone is interested in you and wants to be part of starting your career,” Trembecky said. “It’s just awesome.”

The youngster, who turns 15 later this month, spent last season with the Northern Alberta Xtreme bantam prep squad with another Brandon prospect, defenceman Eastyn Mannix. In 30 games in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Trembecky scored 22 goals and added 22 assists with 18 penalty minutes.

The five-foot-eight, 140-pound left-handed shot knows what he has to do to succeed on the ice.

“I’m a guy whose putting a few pucks to the net and creating a ton of energy for the team,” Trembecky said. “I’m a leader on and off the ice and bringing a ton of energy, setting up goals, scoring. I think I bring both of those strengths to my game.”

Wheat Kings assistant general manager Doug Gasper said on draft day that Trembecky just got better and better last season. He likes the youngster’s combination of skills.

“He’s a young man who we really thought took off in the second half,” Gasper said. “He plays the game at a good pace, he’s a good skater with a bit of a second gear in him so he can separate himself. He’s a bit of a fearless player. He’ll drive from the outside to the net with no fear and his offensive game is really coming along. He’s a responsible player in all three zones. We’re happy to get him.”

Trembecky, who began skating at age three, comes by his talent honestly.

His father Jeff spent three years at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks before embarking on a eight-year pro career spent in the ECHL and the Central Hockey League, with several seasons in Europe as well. In his best junior season in 1994-95 with the Chilliwack Chiefs in the B.C. Junior Hockey League, the elder Trembecky, who was a forward, scored 48 goals and put up 109 points in just 60 games.

“He was really excited of course,” Trembecky said. “He’s been with me through this whole hockey journey and he coached me for a number of years as well.”

Trembecky said he had good awareness of the WHL because he grew up going to Edmonton Oil Kings games. And he certainly knew when it was draft day.

“It’s obviously an honour to get chosen,” Trembecky said. “I saw my name go and I couldn’t have been happier to see that Brandon was right beside it.”

Trembecky, who also plays basketball and volleyball, has a to-do list for improving his game on the ice. A big part of that is becoming more well-rounded.

“I’m working on my two-way game and making sure that my defensive zone play is just as good as my offensive zone play,” Trembecky said. 

That’s difficult with Alberta under lockdown due to the pandemic, but he has a shooting area in his basement, and a full gym set up.

Still, he’s eager to attend rookie camp in Brandon in August after prospects camp was cancelled.

“I obviously can’t wait,” Trembecky said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization from top to bottom. I can’t wait to get started. I’m anxious to see what the future has to offer.”

He hopes to play at NAX again next season in a program he said has been a tremendous help to his game. He knows he has plenty of work ahead of him if he want stop be a WHL player. 

“I have to keep getting better and stronger,” Trembecky said. “Every day I have to put my mind to trying to get to that level. I’m not there yet and I’m going to have to work as hard as I possibly can to get there.”

» This is the third of 11 profiles on players the Wheat Kings selected in April’s WHL bantam draft.

» pbergson@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @PerryBergson