A former Whitecourt Wolverine is making a name for himself in his first year in the BCHL.
Beaverlodge Alberta is home to Okotoks Oilers forward Spencer Rheaume and just over 2,000 residents. The small town near Grand Prairie introduced a giant beaver statue in 2004, a year before Rheaume's birth. The statue can be seen from Highway 43.
"I played some minor hockey in Beaverlodge, went to primary school there, was born there, and then played some hockey in Grand Prairie at 15. A lot of country people out there, lots of outdoor stuff like sledding. High school rodeo is pretty big in our town," Rheaume explained.
Like his teammate Cyle Clayton, Rheaume is no stranger to the country lifestyle as he has also done some team roping like Clayton. Rheaume mentioned he would like to try team roping with Clayton. He also added that he and Coy Pighin have been talking about going sledding on an off day.
When asked what people could expect if they were to visit Beaverlodge, Rheaume joked by mentioning that people would see the large beaver statute (which is said to be the largest one in the world), an A&W, and a Subway.
In the summertime when there is no hockey, Rheaume likes to spend his time at his family cabin in the province east of Alberta.
"We have a cabin in Saskatchewan, that's where my dad grew up. So, we go to Saint Brieux which is right in between Humboldt and Melfort. I go back to GP (Grand Prairie) quite a bit and do some sledding there. In the spring I spend time in GP and stuff which is nice," he said.
Rheaume is no stranger to the Oilers as he played for the Whitecourt Wolverines in the AJHL before jumping ship to Okotoks this season.
"Whitecourt was pretty good, I just wanted to elevate my game and I thought the BCHL was where I needed to be. I think that's all what we all (the players who moved from the AJHL to the BCHL) kind of thought, we just wanted to take it to the next level and play with some better players and push our pace. So, for me, it was kind of the pace of the game and just pushing so I'm ready when I go to college," Rheaume described.
Rheaume said he was approached by some other teams in the BCHL to join them but mentioned that he knew the head coach and GM of the Oilers, Tyler Deis, and liked the look of the group in Okotoks which helped him choose the Green and Gold as his destination.
"When we would come to Okotoks they would always be a super fast team, which obviously we (Whitecourt Wolverine) preach here. But, I think we were never really ready for it when I was on the opposing team. We got beat every time in the building, so it's a nice change. I think the facilities are quite a bit better and the rinks nicer," he explained when he was on the opposite side of the ice as the Oilers.
After Rheaume's junior career comes to a close, he will be joining the Rochester Institute of Technology(RIT) for post-secondary hockey and schooling.
He mentioned that he will be studying engineering as it's the same profession his dad is in. He explained that he enjoys the classes like chemistry, physics, and math which will help him with an engineering degree.
"I have been trying to keep my brain pretty active. I have taken two University classes so far, and I can only take three before I go in. But, I have taken Financial Accounting and I'm in an English class right now. I'm trying to get a head start on the schooling so I don't have to take five classes in my first year in every semester," Rheaume said.
He gave a lot of credit to his parents Lorilee and Brent for helping him play the sport of hockey. Rheaume said that family is a big part of his life and can't thank his parents enough for all the hard work they have done.
"They drove me to the rink as a kid, and they have watched a lot of the games this year, so they really support me. It's definitely nice to see them after the game and stuff and know they are watching or know your grandparents are watching. It's pretty special for them to be at a lot of games, and just happy they are able to do that and all the support they have given me with time and money," he added.
Both Brent and Lorilee have made it out to Okotoks for most of the games played this season. In addition to his parents, Rheaume also has three siblings, two sisters and a brother. Cassidy is the eldest at 25, Ronan is next up at 24, then Nathalie at 23, followed by 19-year-old Spencer.
"From a young age, hockey is what you did. I played mini sticks with my brother and my sisters figure skated, my brother played hockey so, I was probably at the rink at a young age. Just kind of all you know, you fall in love with it, and it basically becomes a part of your life," Rheaume mentioned.
He describes himself as a natural centerman who can play the wing. Rheaume said he enjoys playing on the wing but likes the defensive responsibility that comes with being a centreman. He said that since age 15 he has stuck with the centre position and it's paid dividends for him as he has been relied on with the Oilers in that position.
Rheaume is thankful to the Green Army for showing up to each game and giving the group energy when they hit the ice.
"That's awesome that people pay to come watch you play and support us. Obviously, we have some fans that even watch the away games, so that is pretty special. The other night when I was able to get a star, just seeing the fans cheer and stuff, it's awesome. We get quite a bit of fans, a thousand plus every night. It's pretty special to see the fans come and we all appreciate the support," he said.
10 questions with Spencer Rheaume
What is your go-to cheat meal?
"I would probably say candy. Some of the guys call me the "Candy Man" a little bit. I always got candy on me, I just think it's a good source of quick energy. If you have a second practice or something, in between have some candy or after a game. Any kind of gummi candies like sharks, fried eggs, or frogs. I'm a gummy candy guy."
Favourite player and team growing up?
"My favourite player growing up was Jordan Eberle, and the Oilers."
Favourite sport other than hockey?
"That's kind of a tough one, I would have a list probably. Golf, baseball, and team roping. Those would be the top three."
What is your guilty pleasure song?
"Kacey Musgraves, Follow Your Arrow."
Do you prefer using black or white hockey tape?
"White all the way. I have used black a few times but I think it honestly brings your skill down when you use black in my opinion. Just the look of it, when you look down and see black tape it just doesn't look as good as white. But, I mean I have nothing against it I have just used white for so long. Black seems like it has a bit of a different texture and is a little bit heavier than white
What is your pre-game ritual?
"I normally have a pre-game nap around one, maybe watch some film from past games or do some visualization at home. Then head the rink around 4:30, just tape my stick, play a little soccer, and maybe sit in the stands for a little bit. I don't get too fired up before games, I like to keep it chill."
Favourite movie and TV show?
"Favourite moves, I will go with Christmas movies. Home Alone, I was a big Home Alone kid. Favourite TV Show... I'm not a big TV show person, to be honest. Sportscentre is probably what I watch the most."
If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be?
"I think probably, Warren Buffett or Bill Gates. They are pretty smart people and obviously have a lot of money. Maybe someone like Elon Musk too, he's a pretty interesting guy."
Who was your first-ever celebrity crush?
"First ever is probably Jennifer Aniston. I watched a lot of Adam Sandler movies growing up, I know she is a bit older now but when I was younger that was probably my first one."
What is your spirit animal?
"I would go with a lion."
Bonus
What is the first thing you do when you get home from a road trip?
"If we get home late I just brush my teeth and go to bed, maybe make some food like a panini. If we get home around 6:00 or 7:00 just do some laundry maybe."
What is your secret talent?
"I would probably go with roping. Most people don't really know that you can do that."