The Steinbach Pistons have swung a deal with the Winnipeg Blues, adding 19-year-old forward Evan Gradt in exchange for a Player Development Fee.
After spending his only two seasons in the MJHL with the Blues, Gradt says he's looking forward to the new challenges that come with being a Piston. "I was super excited to come to a great organization like Steinbach. I'm very grateful to the Winnipeg Blues, I've been there for two years, auto-protected three years ago and they gave me a great opportunity at a young age to step in and play at the junior level. I was happy to be a part of that, but now I'm excited to be a part of the Steinbach Pistons."
Moving up from the U18 AAA level to junior A can be a learning experience for young players and Gradt says he reflects on that time fondly as it really helped define him as a player now. "I think that was probably the biggest development year for me. From start to finish, noticing the difference in speed and pace of play, understanding how much time you have with the puck, it's a huge difference. That year really helped me become the player I am now."
Last season, Gradt faced other teams tough matchups but still put up an impressive 14 goals, 19 assists for 33 points in 57 games. "Coming into the season last year, I was hoping to have a pretty big role," the 6'3" Winnipeg product explains. "Luckily, I got that opportunity. It was awesome to have a role like that at a pretty young age. Being on a team where I was going up against top guys, it was pretty awesome, to be honest. It's a lot of fun, there's a lot of pressure but embracing the pressure, it's a good feeling honestly."
He hasn't been a Piston long but he says Head Coach Paul Dyck has already reached out and the two are seeing the future very in very similar ways. "I talked to him briefly a couple of times, he's super awesome, it was great to talk to him. He did talk about my role and he said he see's me more in the middle, which is kind of what I was saying as well, I prefer to play center. I can play wing as well, I'm pretty versatile, I can play wherever he needs me. Wherever he want's to put me, I'm happy to play wherever."
This next season, Gradt knows he's coming to a team where he's going to have to earn everything, nothing will be handed to him and the former captain of the U17 Winnipeg Wild believes those challenges will bring out the best in him. "I know I'm going to have to go earn it, nothing is given, especially on a great team like Steinbach. You have to go an earn it every day. I'm excited for the challenge and I'm ready to compete for whatever role I need to play in."
Having been in the league a few years, Gradt is well aware of the reputation Steinbach has, being an organization that has high expectations both on and off the ice, and for him to be viewed as a piece that can help get the team to where they want to go, is big for his confidence. "Steinbach every year, their goal is to win a championship and for them to feel like I can be a big part of that, it's an awesome feeling. Super excited to play meaningful hockey and when the expectation is a championship, the mindset changes a little bit. Super excited for that to be my mentality now."
Being a Winnipeg hockey player means that Gradt has connections to some current Pistons and he said he's looking forward to suiting up with the likes of Zhenya Miles, Brody Green and River Leslie-Toogood once again. "I'm really excited to get to know and talk to some new guys, but I know a few players, Zhenya, Brody, I played with and River, too. They're awesome guys and I like all of them. I'm looking forward to meeting all the guys, soon."
Last season, Gradt was one of the first visiting players to be in the Southeast Events Centre which this season will be his home, something he's still wrapping his head around because of how great it is. "Playing there last year, that was surreal, That rink is amazing. Playing against Steinbach, the fans were super loud, so it'll be nice to have them on my side this time. That was probably the most fun I've ever had playing a game, just with that atmosphere."
For fans, Gradt says his game will translate well to the new system. "I'm a good, two-way forward. I'm good in the defensive zone but I can also bring offense to the table. I'm reliable all over the ice."
As far as which number he's going to wear, Gradt's 15 may or may not be available, but that doesn't actually matter to much to him as he has his eyes on a different digit. "Haven't really thought about it too much, but 15 isn't my normal number, that was just my number with the Blues. If I could pick, I'd probably take 8 or 18, something with 8 in it, it's my favourite number. I like number 15, I've had it for the last two years, so if I can get it again, I'd be fine with that."
The good news for Evan Gradt is that new players picking available numbers goes by games played and at over 100 already, he'll be near the front of the line.
The good news for the Steinbach Pistons is he'll be wearing a number on the back of a jersey that has a Pistons logo on the front.