Calvert excited for opportunity after WHL Draft selection Newest member of Saskatoon Blades looking forward to chance to crack Western Hockey League line-up
For many players, the Western Hockey League Bantam Draft is a time of nervousness and anticipation, especially if you know someone somewhere is going to select you.
But for those who are likely later-round selections or have flown under the radar, there’s also the unknown if you’ll be picked at all.
That’s the situation Moose Jaw Bantam AA Warriors standout Rowan Calvert found himself in as draft day progressed last Wednesday afternoon, as he watched and waited, and then waited some more.
“I was looking at the live feed, and as the rounds went by I just kept hoping and hoping that someone would take a chance on me and give me an opportunity,” Calvert said. The rounds started getting late, and by the time round nine came around, Rowan himself wasn’t paying close attention. But his dad Jeff – himself a former member of the Warriors – most certainly was. And then it happened. The Saskatoon Blades selected Rowan in the ninth round, 187th overall.
And just like that, welcome to the Western Hockey League, young man.
“My dad was watching and he told me, and then everyone was really happy and it was just a great moment,” Rowan said. “It was definitely an exciting day for my family here.”
It stood to reason Calvert would attract some attention – the 5-foot-8, 180-pound forward had put together a stellar year for the Bantam Warriors, scoring 24 goals and 45 points in 31 games while also showing plenty of discipline with only 18 penalty minutes.
It certainly doesn’t hurt that it was the Saskatoon Blades that came calling, either.
“It’s a great organization and it’s close to home, which helps. I couldn’t think of a better place to go; I’m excited for the opportunity they’ve given me here and I’m excited to go to camp in the fall,” Calvert said.
“It’s nice to get drafted and nice to know someone wants you, but all the work starts from here. This is just motivation to keep working; obviously I have a long way to go, but if I just keep using that as my motivation I’ll keep working and getting better and better and hopefully I’ll play there one day.”
Rowan doesn’t have to look very far to see just what that kind of hard work can accomplish. Older brother Atley essentially willed himself into the WHL Warriors lineup after going undrafted and signing as a list player and is now considered one of the team’s top prospects.
“A few years ago he didn’t get to hear his name called, but I know it’s possible because he put in a lot of work and I have to too, to get a chance to play as well,” Rowan said.
Of course, there’s the ongoing issue with the COVID-19 pandemic playing havoc with any kind of ice time and training for preparation for the coming season. But having a solid home gym and a couple of decent workout partners has helped off-set the lack of ice work.
“It’s a setback not being able to go to the rink, but we have a pretty nice set-up here with our gym in the garage,” Calvert said. “I work out with my brother and my dad; we have kind of intense workouts in the morning and then we just kind of relax and hang out as a family the rest of the day. But other than that we can play basketball or shoot pucks, anything to get active when we’re not on the ice.
“We’re just looking forward to when we have a chance to get back on the ice.”