Drew Peters, who hails from Long Plains First Nation and grew up in Winkler, announced that he will be playing hockey and attending Niagara University next season.
After making the decision, Peters reflected on his career and the wild ride it's been to this point. "I started playing hockey when I was just two years old, I joined the minor hockey association with the Winkler Flyers," he explains. "Played there for a couple years, I grew up through the game. I eventually played high school for the GVZ Zodiacs, from there, moved onto the Pembina Valley Hawks out in Morden, and while I wasn't a draft pick at all, I made the OCN Blizzard at 16-years-old, so I played there for a year. I needed surgery on my leg, so I ended up going to junior B for two years and I ended up winning two championships. Next year, I'm just going to Niagara Falls and we'll see what happens."
Dedication and passion have always been calling cards when describing Peters, and he says he knew hockey could take him places, despite the hurdles in his path. "Every hockey players goes through adversity, there are always ups and downs. When I got my surgery, I didn't think I'd get to play hockey. I was able to come back stronger and better. Probably the year after we won the championship with the OCN Storm, I thought I could maybe do something with my career, so I pushed for it and I got it."
Winning championships will always be a highlight but it was the group that Peters won with that he says will always be remembered. "It was so great to experience it with all those guys. With the young guys we had, getting to be their captain and lead them into something that they've never experienced before, it was truly special. It was a great group of guys that made it all even better."
Peters says making the decision to go to Niagara was pretty simple as it all just felt right. "I got a couple opportunities to go elsewhere, but Niagara felt like the right place. I'm super excited and pumped for it. I'm blessed to have the opportunity and I'm not going to let it get away from me. I'll be in the gym all summer and I'll be looking to hit the ice flying."
It'll be a step up for Peters but he's already preparing for that next level on the ice. "I'll have a couple coaches that I'm skating with this summer, they will be working on my edge work, I want to be ready right from the start. You want to get there in shape, not get in shape once you're there. I'm super excited for this summer and I can't wait to put the work in."
Getting back into the classroom is also something Peters is really looking forward to. "Education is so important," he says emphatically. "School always comes first before hockey. I'll be taking Sports Management as a career and I feel like it's the right choice from me. I love being a student athlete, I love everything about that."
Known as a team-first kind of guy, Peters says he can't wait to get into the locker room and build relationships with new teammates, even if it means being a rookie again. "I'm ready to be a first year, for sure. Being a rookie is never bad, I can't wait."
No matter where hockey and education take him, Peters will always be thankful for those who have supported him and he's quick to say if not for them, he wouldn't be where he is today. "I can't thank the people enough. I've had so much support throughout my life and career. I just want to say thank you to everyone and I'll always carry you with me."