TISDALE — Although Tisdale’s Drayton Hvidston passed a big hockey test last Friday, he knows there is more hard work ahead.
The son of Brad and Shawna Hvidston was selected by the Humboldt Broncos in the sixth round, 68th overall, in the 2018 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft. He received the news at school via a text from his dad.
“It's nice to know my hard work is being noticed,” the defenceman said “I really appreciate the Broncos for showing interest and confidence in me.”
This year 2003-born players were eligible for the draft. Drafted players will now head to the midget ranks – for at least a season – to hone their skills.
“I would like to thank the Broncos again and know that this is just the beginning,” Hvidston said. “I will continue to work hard so that I can play at that level some day.”
This coming winter Hvidston is focused on making the North East Midget AA squad. He also hopes to earn the opportunity to be an affiliate player for his hometown Trojans in the midget AAA ranks.
Last season the 5-foot-5, 120-pounder had 11 goals and 30 points in 31 games for the North East Wolfpack bantam AA team. Hvidston was sixth on the team in scoring and paced the Wolfpack’s blue liners in points.
Wolfpack head coach Dennis Kubat said that Hvidston has an offensive upside, great speed, and is a great, coachable kid.
“He has a great work ethic, puts in the time on his own,” Kubat said. “He wants to get better.”
Hvidston praised his family for their support of his hockey career. He said his uncle, Brad Doucette, gives him pointers and motivates him to keep working hard. In regards to his parents, Hvidston said:
“Dad has coached me for a number of years and mom is always there for me at practices and games.”
