What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
Mike Kaminski hopes he is the first of many.
The Saskatoon native was selected 40th overall by the Saskatchewan Rush in Monday’s National Lacrosse League draft. He is the first player to be drafted straight from a local team, being picked from the Jr. A Saskatchewan SWAT.
“When the team came here (from Edmonton) I made it my goal and worked all year to show what I could do,” Kaminski said.
“I was hoping I did enough for them to take a chance on someone from Saskatchewan.”
2016 has been a big year for lacrosse in Saskatchewan. Following the Rush’s NLL championship and the Saskatoon Brewers national championship appearance, Kaminski doesn’t think this is the end.
“I think it is going to help our SWAT program and make everyone work harder because there is a lot of guys good enough to make it happen.”
Hard work is the easiest way to describe Kaminski’s game. The gritty defenseman takes pride in his reputation as someone opposing forwards don’t want to get close too.
“Whoever gets near me is going to get hit,” Kaminski said.
“I like to make myself known to the other team out there.”
This it the second straight year the Rush used their fourth round pick on a local player. Saskatchewan selected Reagan Harding from Lake Erie College in 2015.
For the full Rush draft results, click here.