Big Valley’s bantam hockey sensation Ty Mappin says he has set his sights on next week’s Western Hockey League draft and he will be looking forward to building up a professional hockey career to climb up from there.
Mappin, who is a Grade 9 student, has been playing for Red Deer Rebels’ bantam White team and as a result of his performance there, he was invited to appear at prestigious tournaments and play with all star teams.
“I won Most Valuable Player of the all star game and best forward of the south,” said Mappin.
“It comes from the family, my dad and my two brothers gave me my first hockey training” he said in reference to the source of his talent, skills and dedication to hockey.
When asked whether he would be seeking a professional hockey career, Mappin simply said “Of course.”
Come May 5, Ty Mappin will be sitting next to the phone waiting for the call from the WHL to know whether he has been picked up by any of the teams in the league.
“I would like to play either for Medicine Hat or Calgary, but you never know,” he said.
The young hockey star admits that becoming a WHL player will make it quite difficult for him to simultaneously pursue both his education and a hockey career.
“It will probably be way harder with the travel,” Mappin said.
When asked what he would prefer if he had to make choice between school and hockey, Mappin said he would try to walk on both paths.
Alongside playing hockey in Red Deer, Mappin has also been playing lacrosse in Three Hills.
Having been involved in both sports, Mappin says lacrosse is definitely more physical than hockey.
Logan Hermus and Dylan Houston, Mappin’s hockey buddies in Red Deer bantam teams will also be looking forward to learning if they are picked in next week’s WHL draft.