Rylan Ferster has moved to solidify his goaltending roster for the foreseeable future.
After watching Cody Porter develop for the past couple of years, West Kelowna’s Head Coach / GM has added the Lake Country product to his full-time roster.
Porter had begun the 2013-14 season with the Vancouver NW Giants (BCMML), after playing last year with the Under-18 program at the Pursuit of Excellence.
“Cody’s a very good young goalie” Ferster says, adding “I think he’s going to be an outstanding player in our league.”
“In camp he was one of our best goalies, if not our best one” Ferster also states, pointing out also that Porter had affiliated with West Kelowna several times last season.
For his part, Porter admits that he’s excited for the new opportunity in front of him.
The 16 year-old knows he’s set to begin as a back-up to 19 year-old Andy Desautels, but he sees an upside to daily practices at the Junior ‘A’ level.
“I’m happy but not satisfied” Porter insists. “I want to play well up here and show that I can play.”
To make room for Porter, Ferster has dealt Tanner Burgardt to the SJHL’s Weyburn Red Wings in exchange for future considerations.
The 18-year old Saskatchewan native hadn’t yet faced any game action as a Warrior.
“We certainly wish him all the very best” Ferster says of Burgardt. “Deals are never fun” he acknowledges; “Hopefully things work out for him.”
With a reliable 19 year-old and a promising 16 year-old now stocking the cupboards, the Warriors now appear to have a long-term game plan in place at what Ferster knows is ‘the most important position in hockey.”
“You never want to look too far ahead” Ferster cautions, however he says “We feel that our goaltending is covered, hopefully, for the next two to three years.
Visit The General’s Report for further reaction to the move and more insight into the West Kelowna Warriors.
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