麻豆社区

It remains to be seen which Yukon hockey player will grow up to be the next Ted Stephens.

But training under the former QMJHL star's coach this week has given many youngsters a chance to dream about their futures in the sport.

Danny Flynn, now director of hockey operations for the Moncton Wildcats, was on the ice at the Canada Games Centre this week, leading an offensive skills camp put on by the Whitehorse Minor Hockey Association.

It was at a camp like this six years ago, that Flynn noticed Stephens' talent and invited him to a tryout with the Wildcats. Stephens went on to become the first Yukoner to play in the Quebec league.

"We're fortunate we got a couple players from Whitehorse,鈥� Flynn told the Star yesterday. "Ted Stephens was probably the most notable one. He came to Moncton fresh out of midget hockey here and played four years for us.

"I think everybody across the country recognizes that the hockey here is improving, and I know the Western Hockey League keeps a much closer eye on the Yukon than perhaps it did when we started here.鈥�

Stephens, now playing for St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, N.S. as a 23-year-old, made the Moncton Wildcats in 2007. He went on to play a starring role on in the Wildcats' 2010 Memorial Cup run, finishing that season with 22 goals and 39 points in 52 games.

Yukoner Jordan Lane spent a year playing for Flynn in 2008, and Ted's younger brother David also played 12 games for Moncton last season, before a knee injury saw him return home.

The Stephens brothers continue to maintain a good relationship with their former coach. In fact, Flynn and his sons, Brad and Andrew, stayed at the Stephens' home this week.

Ted's talent was a real eye-opener for major junior hockey scouts, said Flynn.

"It's going to be tougher for us to get kids out east, but that's OK, as long as the kids get opportunities and a chance to take the game to their highest level,鈥� Flynn said. "That's what it's all about.

"The Western league is a lot more thorough in their scouting here now, and a lot of the top midget-aged kids from here play in tournaments in B.C., so it's tough for kids to slip through the cracks.鈥�

This week's camp marked the ninth time Flynn has spent some of his summer in Whitehorse. Originally, Flynn was coaxed to the Yukon capital by one of his former staffers from St. F.X., Greg Hagar, who started a hockey school here after moving to the territory as a school teacher.

Fifteen-year-olds Levi Johnson and Jack Blisner said Flynn has taught them a lot in a short time. The two were part of the Bantam A Mustangs squad that won the rec C division playoffs and three tournament gold medals last season.

"He knows what he's talking about,鈥� Johnson said of Flynn. "You always need critics, people that tell you what you're not doing good. That strives to make you better.鈥�

Johnson, a high-scoring power forward, said Flynn noticed his tendency to stop skating while driving around defenders.

"I learned how to push my skate and get lower while I'm driving to the net,鈥� he said.

Blisner said Flynn shared skating techniques that helped improve his stride and quicken his crossovers.

"You get more power that way,鈥� he said after yesterday's on-ice instruction.

Both players are planning to spend another year in the Mustangs system.

Flynn said regardless of where their careers take them, local hockey players should soak up the opportunities available here.

"There's an awful lot of ice time and opportunities to play, even outdoors,鈥� he said.

"Some of the best players ever to play the game have come from small communities, so you don't have to be from Toronto or Montreal or Vancouver to get to the National Hockey League.

"It's not easy, but if you've got a dream and you're prepared to give everything you have to chase down that dream 鈥� you never know.鈥�

WMHA president Carl Burgess said more than 60 players took advantage of the opportunity to train with Flynn. He said the popularity of the summer hockey camps has been excellent.

"This place is buzzing. It's great to see the Canada Games Centre so busy this summer.鈥�