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Viva Las Vegreville Skating Club Carnival

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Vegreville Skating Club presented a joyful celebration of skating to 300 people at the Viva Las Vegreville Skating Carnival on March 12 at Wally Fedun Arena.

Pre-CanSkate performs

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Kaylee Baker-Sykes performs Ready Now.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

President of Vegreville Skating Club Denise Gara said that there were 57 skaters who participated in the carnival. The age ranges of the skaters were from three to 17 with the majority of the skaters being between six and nine years old.

Clara Derow and Sadie Weleschuk perform Wild Hearts by Keith Urban.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

“The performers had fun and showed their family and friends their accomplishments and how far they’ve progressed since the beginning of the season till now.

All our skaters were beaming after taking to the ice.”

Star Group 1 performs Mimes.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Can Skate 2 performs Vegas Vacation.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Wranglers U18 Team Runners-Up in League Championship

The Vegreville Wranglers U18 fought valiantly against the Provost Blades on March 18 for the league championship. Unfortunately, they had to settle for second place. The two teams could have a possible rematch if they both make it to the semi-finals during Provincials that will be held in Provost from March 30 - April 2. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)

Vipers Right Winger Having Stellar Season

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Drayden van der Torre is a force to be reckoned with. He’s one of the three top scorers in the Canadian-American Junior Hockey League, (CAJHL) with more than 40 goals and 60 assists this season.

March 11 was a special night for the Vipers right winger as he scored his 100th point of the season. Even players on the opposing team, the Hinton Timberwolves, were congratulating him on reaching the special milestone during their game. He has already far surpassed last year’s total of 26 goals and 47 assists.

As to what’s made the difference this season compared to last season? Drayden says it’s a combination of things. “I’m trusting my shot more.” He prefers the snapshot, favouring the goalie’s low blocker. He’s also getting around the d-man and making tough passes through sticks and legs of players to help score and assist other teammates in scoring goals.

Drayden van der Torre, left, and Colton Lebid-Pham with youngster during fan appreciation night on March 11.

(Vegreville Vipers/Facebook Photo)

Drayden said he’s also made a mental switch. He’s not afraid to make mistakes, and that has had a very positive effect on his goal scoring as well as his play making abilities. His confidence has soared throughout the season. Additionally, he’s “mastering more skills” which has led to more goals and assists, and propelling the team up to second place in the standings, just behind the Hinton Timberwolves.

With only a few games left in the regular season, Drayden believes the Champions Cup is within reach; if “we play our game” and “continue to work hard” along with utilizing their speed, going hard in the corners and staying solid on defence.

The other part of Drayden’s game that has improved is the mental aspect. He has always had the drive to do better and beat opponents and that mentality is serving him and the team well. Vipers General Manager Bryan Brown said Drayden’s contributions have put him into one of the best in the league and has led to success for the team.

“He plays aggressive and that’s my kind of player. If you want something you work hard for it and that’s what he does. For playoffs we need his full focus and less penalties from the team. When he is playing his game, he is a powerhouse for our team. And when we play like that, we are very successful,” said Brown. Head Coach Sergiy Ivanyuk commented that Drayden is very coachable. “We have our differences sometimes, but for the most part we have the same goal. And that is to win. To win makes people happy and that’s what counts.”

Drayden van der Torre.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

This is Drayden’s second year with the Vipers and the 17-yearold Vegreville resident is enjoying his time off the ice as well having participated in several community-based volunteer activities with the club. “The Vipers have taught me the importance of community. The young kids look up to you and it’s important to be a positive role model.”

Drayden is graduating from St. Mary’s Catholic School this year and will be applying at different colleges, including NAIT, which has its own hockey program. He’s hoping to earn a scholarship, and his future plans include becoming a paramedic. In January he joined the fire department and said he signed up because he wants to give back to the community.

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