Kris Bladen is loving life while playing hockey for Liberty University in Virgina. The 2000-born forward committed to the D1 program this past offseason following playing two years of Junior ‘A’ hockey.
“I have loved every moment at Liberty University playing ACHA Division 1 hockey and adjusting to university studies,” says Bladen, a native of Edmonton, Alta., “The professors, coaches and staff treat us like true professionals. We have a very strong hockey team and recently ranked #2 in the nation. We recently competed with a NCAA Division 1 team and won.”
Bladen’s road to college hockey wasn’t an easy one. It wouldn’t have happened without immense perseverance and drive in order to advance his career.
After a strong 17-year-old season in Major Midget, he started out his career with the Spruce Grove Saints in the AJHL and was traded mid-season to the Calgary Mustangs. The Mustangs then folded at the end of the 2018-19 season, so he decided to sign with the Lloydminster Bobcats. It isn’t hard to see how playing for three different teams in a little over a year would be mentally draining for a teenager straight out of high school.
“It is really tough to get into a rhythm and settle into a strong role on any team when you’re moving too frequently,” says Bladen. “Of course there were some days of asking myself, “Why am I still doing this?” As I look back I know now that I was confident with in my game to push through the thoughts of quitting and frustration. You don’t always understand the decisions of coaches and general managers, but it’s important to maintain that confidence in your abilities and to wait for your opportunities to succeed and move on to the next level of hockey. You have to believe in yourself when it’s really tough to believe.”
Lloydminster wasn’t Bladen’s last junior stop, though. Just a couple months into the 2019-20 season he was put on the trade wire and began working with Ice Exposure shortly after. We sought out other Junior ‘A’ options and found the Wayway Wolverines in the MJHL were looking for an experienced forward. Although Bladen would have preferred remaining in Alberta, he has no regrets moving to Manitoba and is happy about his decision.
“I loved playing for the Wolverines! Obviously as an Alberta born player I was pretty set on staying in the AJHL,” he says. “Looking back, I am glad I went to Manitoba. I believe the level of hockey in the MJHL was the same as the AJHL and the move to Waywayseecappo gave me the fresh start and ability to play more of a role on a good team with two outstanding coaches. Taylor Harnett and Josh Lee gave me opportunity to prove myself and I am grateful for their leadership and trust in my game.”
Now with hindsight vision, the South Side Athletic alumnus recommends other hockey players to look at all of their Junior ‘A’ options.
“I would recommend every player take look at all of the opportunities on the table,” he says. “Whether its in AJHL, SJHL, or MJHL, my advice is for a player to make the best decision for themselves and to choose to play for strong organization wherever it may be that first of all has strong coaching and leadership, along with giving you the opportunity to play your game and grow your game. “
@IceExposure