Jevon Peters is another of the Eastman Selects that were recently drafted by a WHL franchise as the Mitchell product heard his named called by the Swift Current Broncos.
"I was watching it live with my parents at home," the 15-year-old explains. "I came home from school early. When I heard my name, I just got really excited."
Being selected by the Broncos was special for Peters. "They liked my game throughout the year. I worked hard, so it was nice to hear my name from them. It came as a surprise to me. Some other teams had talked to me but I had a slight idea they might take me."
Peters is well aware that it doesn't matter where someone is selected in the draft, it's all about making the most of opportunities. "Looking back at some second round picks that don't make it anywhere, then you see later round picks that go far. It's all about making the most of what you're given."
Coming off a very impressive season with the U15 AAA Selects which saw him score 22 goals, 34 assists for 56 points in 32 games, but beyond that, Peters say his total game found another level. "This year was a lot better, I came in with a lot more confidence and we had a really good year as a team. I skate with Evolution in the summer, that's a hockey group in the city, it really helped me a lot."
Playoffs brought another strong showing for Peters, who says he enjoyed becoming a go-to guy. "It felt really nice getting the ice time I got in playoffs. I took the opportunities and tried to do my best with them."
After being drafted by the Bronco's, Peters doesn't plan on changing too much about his summer routine. "I've been dedicated to working hard in the summers for years. I work out and try and skate as much as I can."
Heading into the next season, Peters has a specific part of his game take a step. "I want to get bigger and stronger. I'll be working out a lot and getting some size will be huge."
Peters joins the list of other Selects picked in the WHL draft and he's been in contact with them to share the moment. "It's pretty cool, that's for sure. I've talked to both the guys and to share that, it's special. We haven't really talked about the Giants playing the Broncos, but it could happen one day."
Through it all, Peters says his family has always been behind him. "It means a lot, they drive me all over for hockey, they support me if I'm struggling or doing good, they support me all the way."
Another part of his game next year that will take a step is the leadership aspect of it, a challenge Peters is ready for. "I want to lead by example. Any players that look up to me, I want to do the right things. I want to be an example. The Selects are a great organizataion. The coaches have helped a lot. The coach tested me, I wasn't getting the ice time I was wanting but he pushed me and made me earn it. It's going to make me a better hockey player."
Jevon Peters is just scratching the surface of what he might accomplish and he's looking for a big year in 2025-26.