(photo credit to the Cariboo Cougars)

By Jeromy Corrigan

Cariboo

Bott ready to make leap to AJHL

Apr 27, 2020 | 2:13 PM

The Cariboo Cougars Major Midget program continues to develop athletes and send them to the next level.

This year is no exception.

A number of players on this years Major Midget team are advancing to the next level. This includes forward Brennan Bott.

Bott had a great year in his final year of midget hockey with Cariboo, compiling 21 goals and 25 assists.

“Individually, it was a good year,” stated Bott.

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“Those last 10 games I thought I was playing my best hockey going into the playoffs. Getting points and just producing as a team.”

One of the highlights of the season for the Major Midget Cats was their performance at the Macs Midget tournament in Calgary in December, and that was where Bott and a number of his teammates were noticed by a number of Junior A teams. Fast forward a few months later and Bott has committed to the Whitecourt Wolverines of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the 2020-2021 season.

“At the Macs tournament I started talking to them. Then about a month ago I got a call from them and they asked how I was doing and then the next day they offered me a commitment. Then about a week it took me to decide. Just talking with my family and my coaches, and then me and my family and coaches thought it was the best thing for me to go there,” shared Bott.

Despite not knowing much about Whitecourt, Bott won’t be going to the Alberta community alone as he will be joined by teammate Mathew Magrath, which will help with the transition.

“I’m kind of nervous moving away from home,” explained Bott.

“Going with a teammate and a long time friend, I’ve been playing with him (Magrath) since peewee. Just going with him should make it easier.”

With the two being longtime teammates, Magrath spoke highly of Bott both on and off the ice.

“As a player he is very skilled offensively. Team guy. He is fun both on and off the ice. He is always cracking jokes and keeping the mood light with the team,” said Magrath.

Despite it being early in the off-season, Bott is already preparing for the jump up to the Junior A level. However, with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and gyms and rinks closed, that will be more challenging.

“As of right now with the Covid, it’s limited stuff. I go for sprints and then I have a little workout area which I try to do the most I can to get stronger,” added Magrath.

Last season the Whitecourt Wolverines were 3rd in the AJHL’s North division with a 32-17-9 record.