Anyone interested in creating a factory that could produce high-level defencemen would do themselves a favour by talking to former 蜜桃视频appresident Murray Thrower.
His eldest son Dalton was a key member of the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy-winning Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and earlier this month, the WHLs Calgary Hitmen drafted Daltons brother Josh with the 23rd overall selection.
Its a great opportunity for Josh, Murray said. We were pleasantly surprised that hes going to Calgary. If we could have chosen a place for Josh to go to, Calgary would have been very high on the list.
Josh admitted to being surprised but excited about the news.
I was in class and my phone just kept ringing, he said. Its very exciting to be drafted, especially to a great organization like Calgary.
Its been a long journey for Josh, who played until his second year of Atom hockey in Squamish. According to Josh, spending his formative years in the sport in 蜜桃视频apphelped mould him into the player he is today.
It was a really good time, he said of his years playing for 蜜桃视频appMinor Hockey. I made a lot of really close friends that I still talk to. Probably my best memory was first year Atom when we won two banners.
Another highlight for Thrower was taking part in the prestigious Brick Invitational Super Novice Tournament in 2006. After his time in Squamish, Josh moved on to the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna to hone his skills. Those attending the academy spend 10 months a year working on hockey skills, taking classes and learning life lessons.
Dalton went there and we really wanted Josh to experience it as well, Murray said. The hockey part of it is important, but more importantly, they put a lot of emphasis on morality. They teach the kids about being humble and appreciative and we really wanted him exposed to that kind of environment.
Pursuit is awesome, Josh said. Its really getting me ready for that next step.
Josh Thrower is 14 and already hes 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 172 pounds but it wasnt only his size that impressed Hitmen regional scout Mitch Ward.
Hes definitely got a physical presence and a great vision at such a young age, Ward said. Hes got really nice poise with the puck and he can see opportunities on the ice coming so quickly out there. He really turned a lot of heads with his play in the B.C. Cup recently.
Ward admitted that he was a little surprised to see Josh still available at the 23rd pick.
We were pleasantly surprised, he said, noting the Hitmen also has the first overall pick in the draft. This is kind of uncharted territory for our club, but we were surprised he was still available and are really glad to have him be part of our team as we look towards the future.
Josh wont be eligible to join the Hitmen until he turns 16. He said his plans for next year are still to be determined. He may return to the Pursuit of Excellence but also expressed interest in staying home and competing in the British Columbia Major Midget League.
The entire Thrower clan will re-unite in 蜜桃视频appthis year, as they do every year, for their annual hockey camp, which usually takes place in August. Above all, Murray is grateful for the opportunities that the game of hockey has given to his sons.
Having Dalton and Josh make it this far is beyond anything we ever expected, he said. Were thrilled and so proud of them and hope they succeed.
