Kings’ youngest player is proving himself to be a valuable contributor
Brody Waters is among the team’s scoring leaders, carrying on a family tradition linked to hockey in Woolwich
HEIDELBERG’S BRODY WATERS IS more than happy to continue the family tradition – hockey. Currently playing for the Elmira Sugar Kings, the 16-year-old has previously played hockey for the Guelph Gryphons and plans to stay involved with the sport in the future.
The interest started early for Waters.
“I’ve been playing since I was about 3,” said Waters. “I grew up around the game. My dad grew up playing hockey, and my brother played it when he was young as well, so he really inspired me.”
Although he is the youngest on the Sugar Kings roster, he remains among the scoring leaders, averaging a little over a point per game. Head coach Trent Brown noted that he is versatile, capable of skillfully playing both offense and defence. As well, he always knows what to expect from the young player.
“Very predictable, which is a good thing – he’s very creative with the puck,” said Brown. “But defensively reliable. No questions about what you’re going to get when you put him over the boards. You’re going to get high energy and, from a fan standpoint, entertainment.”
In 19 games, the young forward, who prefers playing on the right wing, has racked up 23 points – eight goals and 15 assists.
“He’s very good,” said Brown. “He can do things that will play out at the seat, but he won’t go off on his own. He’ll stick with the plan and make himself better, and make his teammates better and give the team-first plays.”
The passion for the sport runs deep – his father is Rob Waters, who is involved with the Friends of Hockey group. Friends of Hockey assists families who could not otherwise place their children in minor hockey, through helping with all or part of the costs with registration, equipment, etc. The group was formed in 2009.
His late grandfather, Bob Waters, was instrumental in forming Friends of Hockey and named a lifetime member of Woolwich Minor Hockey in 1994. He sponsored local hockey, soccer and baseball teams. He also served on Woolwich municipal council from 1982 to 1994 and heavily contributed to the community.
The laneway outside in front of the WMC was named Bob Waters Way in his honour. So Brody Waters is glad to carry on the family legacy.
“It’s never a bad time on the ice,” said Waters. “I want to go as far as I can in hockey, and pursue something related to it.”
Waters is an 11th grade student at Elmira District Secondary School. The close proximity to the WMC makes for convenient afterschool practices.
Back to the Sugar Kings, the team just had a successful weekend after winning both games against the Cambridge Red Hawks and Listowel Cyclones. Brown is currently focusing on improving the team skill.
“It’s all about the process for us,” said Brown. “We’re almost halfway through the year, so we want to get better every day and every week. We’re not looking ahead to win any trophies, yet we’re just focusing on our game and getting better every day.”