3 Millionaires Western League Signings
Over the past weeks, a large number of Melville Millionaires have attended Major Junior Camps; many of the players have had success while with their Western League clubs. This success has been to the extent where 3 Millionaires (1 prospect, 1 rookie, 1 veteran) have signed standard player agreements with WHL teams.
Kelton Pyne, 2005 born Mills Prospect, went undrafted in the WHL Draft but was selected by the Melville Millionaires in the 4th Round of the 2020 SJHL Bantam Draft. He suited up for the Estevan Bears in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League last season, recording a .901 save percentage in five appearances. Earlier this year Kelton was listed by the Regina Pats. After having many successful months of development followed by an impressive performance at Pats camp, he has signed a Standard Player Agreement with the club.
Nicholas Andrusiak, 2004 born Millionaires Rookie, officially enters the Portland Winterhawks program after playing with the Tisdale Trojans AAA program for 50 games over the past three seasons. Last year, Andrusiak captained the club as well, totaling a point in each game played during the shortened season. The 5-foot-10, 181-pound blueliner will begin the 2021/2022 season with the Melville Millionaires after they selected him with the #2 Overall Pick in the 2019 league draft. Andrusiak has signed a SPA and he will be available to play games with Portland as needed this season.
Kyle Bochek, 2003 born forward, was selected by the Vancouver Giants in Round 12 of the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. He joins the Giants after spending the 2020/2021 campaign with the Melville Millionaires. He appeared in four games with the Mills prior to the league cancelling their season but credits them for his development throughout the Covid damaged season. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the Millionaires” said Bochek.
The Mills Media Group caught up with Kyle Friday Afternoon hearing what he had to say about his development with the Money Men.
“I’d like to thank Mike Rooney and George Pyne for keeping the younger guys (players that were able to practice due to Covid protocols) and practicing all winter with us and pushing me everyday. My edge work, explosive starts, stick handling, and shooting all improved and prepared me to take this next step. Mike also gave me the opportunity to play with guys who he brought from the WHL during the Western League Covid Shutdown.”
Preseason is underway for Bochek and the Vancouver Giants. After a 6-5 OT loss to Kamloops earlier in the week, they look to bounce back against the Prince George Cougars this evening. Kyle is excited to see what this year holds individually for himself, and the group as a team.