Brady Kashuba is only 15 years old and has not let anyone or anything stand in his way of reaching his dream of playing goaltender professionally.
After he stepped on the ice at the young age of 3 learning basis fundamentals of skating through figure skating he has never looked back. He started playing hockey at the age of 6 with the Preeceville Pats Initial stage (beginners) hockey. He played numerous positions on the ice in his younger years but became more serious about playing as a goalie at the age of 10. He was inspired by his dad Murray who used to play goaltender in his younger years and despite many individuals trying to discourage him from becoming a goalie he rose above it and was determined to be the best he can be.
He played hockey with the Preeceville teams until his second year in the bantam age category when he played with Humboldt Broncos AA Bantam team. "It was not an easy decision to play outside of my hometown," said Kashuba. "But I knew I needed more exposure to help propel my career.”
Kashuba played with the Broncos for the 2019-20 season where he received much-needed exposure to coaches and scouts across the North East Hockey League. Then in the following year he tried out and made the Yorkton AA Midget hockey team. When the COVID pandemic struck it forced a shutdown and an end to a short season for all sports teams.
His career got back on track when he was invited by coaches of the Tisdale Trojans AAA Midget hockey team to sign up for the team in the 2021-22 season. He was one of the first few players that were selected to sign with the team.
"There is a camp in August that I don't have to attend but I will just because it will give me more ice time and the opportunity to play. I officially signed with them on April 17 and will be moving shortly to Tisdale where I will be playing hockey and attending classes at the Tisdale School. This is a big year for me and I am looking forward with a lot of excitement but with some apprehension," he admitted.
This will be Kashuba's first time away from home but this opportunity is expected to open the doors for him to excel. It is expected to provide a way into the SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) which could lead him into playing with the Humboldt Broncos.
“My goal and dream would be to make it the WHL (Western Hockey League) where I hope to get noticed by scouts and coaches. It is even a possibility of going into the States to play but for now I am taking it a step at a time and focusing on working on defining my skills," he said.
Throughout his career he has attended a few goaltender camps with coaches at each camp helping him to become better as a player.
He does acknowledge a coach by the name of Dave Reekie from Regina for really helping to prepare him mentally on and off the ice and physically for the next level of play.
"I am looking forward to the new experiences and opportunities this will bring me and I will have the opportunity to work with two personal goaltender coaches which will be huge for my career. The most challenging will be living away from my family and friends but I will be keeping in contact with them and looking forward to this new chapter in my career." said Kashuba.
Kashuba's parents Murray and Rachelle Kashuba have been his biggest supporters with their dedication in traveling and attending each practice and game throughout his career.
Kashuba encourages younger players that they too can achieve their dreams. If they put in the time, effort and focus on their own goals they too can make it to the highest level. "It is only you that is stopping yourself," he concluded.
