After four gruelling weeks of tryouts, the Eastman Selects have announced the rosters for their 2019–2020 hockey season.
The Eastman teams are regional in scope, providing the most talented young players across southeastern Manitoba the opportunity to train at a higher level than many local minor hockey organizations may be able to provide. They also give players a chance to match skills against other regional teams.
In addition to the privilege of competing at the highest level of hockey for their age groups, earning spots on these teams requires great commitment from both the players and their families. The Eastman teams meet three to four times per week during the season for practices and games.
Competition is fierce for roster spots. On average, more than 70 kids try out for each age group, with only about 17 players making each roster.
At the PeeWee level (for ages 11 and 12), three local players made their teams, including Ben Doan of Ste. Agathe, Calyb Moore of St. Adolphe, and Max Dowse of Niverville. The PeeWee team trains and plays all its home games in St. Adolphe.
At the Female Bantam level (for ages 13 and 14), the roster includes Ginger Fast and Mia Jones of Niverville, and Hailey Claydon of Ste. Agathe.
At the U18 level, six local players made the team, including Denis Gagnon of Ste. Agathe, Matthew Egan of St. Adolphe, Hayden Fast of Niverville, and Michael Svenson, Cole St. Laurent, and Brody Beauchemin of Île-des-Chênes.
