The Yorkton Terriers can thank a local product for some of their success so far this season. The club has seven wins, 10 losses for 14 points and sit in second place in the Viterra Division. Goaltender Kael DePape has been lights out for the Terriers this season. The 18 year old hails from Yorkton but has a strong connection to the Churchbridge area.
“My dad grew up in Churchbridge,” DePape says. “He and his brothers played minor hockey there. My Grandfather Jim DePape was a coach for many years. He received the Schumacher award from Churchbridge Minor Sports. My dad and Uncle Dave also played with the Imperials when they won the Championship in 1999-2000. My grandparents were a big part of my hockey growing up. Grandpa Jim used to take me to tournaments when my dad couldn’t make it. Some of my favourite memories were made at my grandparents home.”
The early season success is something for DePapes family to be proud of. He has seven wins and four losses on the season with a 1.81 goals against average. He was recently named SJHL goalie of the week and finished runner up for SJHL player of the month for October.
DePape credits the coaches, team and people around him for his smooth transition into the SJHL. “I would say that a big part of my success would come from the mental side of my game.” DePape adds. “I’ve really worked hard on that and now the results are as follows. Another part of my success would have to be my rebound control. Being able to minimize shots and keep the team from scrambling helps out a lot.”
DePape and the Terriers are looking to build off their start with their sights set on making the playoffs and then anything can happen. A rock solid net minder certainly makes that a possibility, that is exactly what the Terriers have in DePape.