It's been rare in the history of the Swift Current Broncos for them to recruit and sign players out of the United States.
That may be changing thanks to an NCAA rule change that allows WHL players to join American college teams.
The Broncos inked U16 AAA Dallas Stars goalie Aiden Eskit to a WHL scholarship and development agreement in December, and they have now signed Detroit Little Caesars 15U AAA forward Brock Burch.
"It makes it way easier," Burch said. "To be able to go to the NCAA now it's just a great opportunity to be able to play in the WHL. It just makes it a lot easier."
Swift Current had nabbed Burch in the 11th round of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft hoping this opportunity might open up.
After a recruiting visit in the fall and strategizing on a plan, the sides came together this week.
"The development plan that Chad and his staff has set up for me," said Burch of his conversations with Broncos GM Chad Leslie. "The team culture and getting to play in a great league like the WHL is a dream come true."
He got a sense of what life in Swift Current was like during a November visit.
"A small town similar to where I grew up in Iowa," Burch noted. "While I was in Swift I just saw the passion for hockey is great in the community and around the rink. It was just cool to see the fans and get to see a Broncos game."
The native of Dubuque, Iowa, fell in love with hockey as his family hosted billets for a local USHL team.
"My dad got me into it," Burch said. "My billets helped me get into high-level hockey. I love it."
In a video interview with Broncos broadcaster Gino De Paoli, Burch compared himself to NHL forward Brendan Gallagher. He sees himself in a two-way mold.
"I'm a gritty 200-foot player that likes to get in the mud and can be trusted in the d-zone," Burch said. "Love big moments and opportunities. I can score goals."
He moved to Detroit during the most recent hockey season to play for the famous Little Caesars team with former NHLer David Legwand as his head coach.
"It's a great organization with the best facilities around," Burch said. "Just learning from (Legwand) and him being around is unbelievable."
He had 15 goals and 8 assists in 20 regular season games with the 15U club. Burch also put up 9 points in 6 games at the OHL Cup and 4 points in 4 games at nationals.
He's working on getting stronger in the off-season with a plan to make the opening day lineup for Swift Current in September.