Kjemhus keen on full-time gig with Pats
16-year-old knows jump from midget to Western League ‘is big,’ but sets goals high
Kjell Kjemhus is ready to bet on himself — regardless of the odds.
The 16-year-old forward knows it’ll be a difficult task for any young player to earn a full-time job this season with the Regina Pats, who are expected to have a veteran team when they play host to the 2018 Memorial Cup.
Kjemhus plans to roll the dice anyway.
“This is what I live for,” he said Tuesday during Day 1 of rookie camp at the Co-operators Centre. “If there’s an opportunity, you just have to give it your all. There’s lots of good players competing for a position. In the end it’s whoever wants it more and whoever worked out more in the summer. It’s going to come down to something little. You just have to do your thing. What happens, happens.”
Kjemhus isn’t a natural scorer, but he does possess other important qualities. That’s why head coach/GM John Paddock foresees a significant role for the five-footnine, 178-pounder at some point down the road.
“He’s not going to be a big guy but he’s going to have speed and determination and intangible things,” said Paddock. “He’s such a topnotch kid. He’s a hockey player. That’s the best way to put it.”
There’s no higher compliment coming from Paddock, who got an up-close look at Kjemhus last spring during the Pats’ run to the WHL final. That experience should serve him well in this year’s training camp.
“The jump from midget to the Western League is big,” noted Kjemhus. “It takes a while to get it under your belt but, after you have that sense of pace, it’s the most fun you’ve had playing hockey. I enjoyed every minute of it. Hopefully this year we can make another run at it. I know we’re hosting (the Memorial Cup). Hopefully I can crack the lineup and be a part of that.”
The Pats threw Kjemhus into the fire due to a rash of injuries. He was called up late in the campaign and dressed for 13 of Regina’s 23 playoff contests, three of which came in the league final against the Seattle Thunderbirds.
“I know it’s rare to make it that far in the playoffs,” said Kjemhus. “It’s still hard to believe that we did all that and I got to witness it as a 15-year-old but I have to focus on this year ahead. Hopefully I can be a part of that group.”
Paddock won’t bet against him — mostly because of his “character and maturity.”
“He’s able to keep the big moments in perspective and treat it like it’s another game even when you know it’s not,” said the veteran bench boss. “You’re not looking for high-end (production) when you’re playing a 15-year-old (in the playoffs). You’re looking for little things. Do things right. He knows how to do that. That’s what makes him a leader down the road. It’s very natural for him.”
Although he’s still a young player, Kjemhus prides himself on his leadership ability. He’s eager to show it in his second WHL training camp after taking some notes from Regina’s veterans last season.
“Adam Brooks was a great leader,” he said of the former Pats’ captain. “I think that’s great when you take that in and realize what it takes to be a captain. That sets an example for the younger guys coming in and how to conduct yourself. You want to lead by example for some of the younger guys and make them feel comfortable. In the end it’s (about) doing the right things when no one is looking and showing the younger guys how to do that.”
The Pats’ coaches have already taken notice.
“I know he’s going to give it his all to make the team,” added Paddock. “There’s a lot of guys who are going to fight to make an impression and battle each other for a position. But we do know what Kjell is. He has already been here and was able to fill a role. That’s an advantage for him.”