Scouts Coming to Alberta
January 26, 2017
When you’re playing a roller hockey tournament this year, you may be lucky enough to bump into one of two college roller hockey scouts now operating in Alberta. Starting in 2017, AMRHA working with the U.S. National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) and its many schools operating Roller programs. AMRHA is now actively helping to identify athletes and those athletes to identify schools interested in their talents. As not many families in Alberta know of the chance to play roller hockey and pursue a post-secondary education in the US. Its AMRHA’s goal to make this possibility widely known throughout all roller leagues in Alberta.
The two individuals we have selected to take on these roles are Bethel Wildcat University graduates Ewen MacPherson and Cole Sonstelie. Both Ewen and Cole grew up playing roller in Alberta and were thirsting for the next level of competition; eventually they ended up playing with Team Alberta at State Wars. After being scouted and invited to bring their unique skills to Bethel University, they jumped at the chance. They have both spent 4 years at Bethel furthering their education while playing their favorite sport. Thus, setting themselves up for a future with valuable memories, life skills and education. Ewen and Cole are the perfect choice to travel around to Alberta Tournaments and educate the roller hockey community on these great opportunities. They have direct knowledge of what it takes in hockey skill, aptitude, maturity and commitment required to succeed in the college program. With boots on the ground and a respected opinion the doors have been opened for Alberta athletes who are looking out this opportunity. For more information on College Roller Hockey contact Ewen Macpherson or Cole Sonstelie
Currently there are a few Canadians playing in the NCRHA and one of those individuals is Edmonton’s Matt Paccagnan. Coincidentally, Matt had heard about the college roller hockey program a few years back while playing for his Coach Cole Sonstelie at a Western Canadian Selects Roller Hockey Tournament. Just recently, AMRHA Reporter Mike Smith had a chance to interview Matt about his first year at the university. Finding out what it was like playing roller hockey all year round, the road he took to get there and what sort of challenges he has come up against. Look for the full interview in the April newsletter
