A lot of kids growing up in Portage la Prairie dream of one day lacing up the skates with the Portage Terriers.
Thanks to the 7th Player program, many young players get to spend some time with the team at the rink.
Asher Guenther, a member of the U11 MacGregor Mustangs, got a chance to be the 7th Player on Wednesday, January 22, hanging out with Jonny Ballos on the bench. Afterward, he got to sit in the locker room with the team between warmup and the first period.
Guenther says it was a fun experience, and he'd love to do it again.
"Yeah, I got a lot of pound-its and 'Hi bud.'"
Guenther didn't have a favourite player, but said he really likes Captain Parker Scherr.
Scherr spoke afterwards on why he feels the program is important, especially for the kids in the community.
"It's cool to, kind of, make those kids a part of our team for a home game; to bring them out on the bench during warmups so they can see what it's like, and then to bring them into the room afterwards and try to get a feel of what it's like to be a part of a junior hockey team for a game," Scherr continues. "It's always nice to talk to the kid while they're sitting with us in the locker room before the game, just chatting them up a little bit. It's really fun and you get to meet a lot of young kids who are just starting to play hockey."
Guenther is one of 29 or more kids who get the opportunity every season, depending on how many playoff games the Terriers play. He adds his words of encouragement to any of his friends who wouldn't want to try being the 7th Player.
"It's nothing to be afraid of. Just skate around, don't trip on [the flag], and then just wait at the blueline and go with the flow."