Former Regina Pat to join Mils in 2015/16

 

(Another great article from Melville Advance Sports Reporter Darcy Gross)

The Melville Millionaires have added a “piece to the puzzle,” says coach and GM Jamie Fiesel.

“I talked to Carter Hansen and he told me he’s cleared waivers in the Western Hockey League and he’s coming here to play,” said Fiesel of the 20-year-old swingman who can play forward or defense.

“He played with the Pats last year and they loved him, but he’s 20 so it becomes a numbers thing.”
Hansen, a 6-2, 200-pounder from Craven, played four years in the WHL, splitting his time between the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Pats, and Fiesel has some history with him.

“He was the captain of my under-17 team a few years ago and he’s a great kid,” Fiesel said. “He’s a lot like Ben Mack. He can play forward but he prefers defense and he’s also a leader.”

The Millionaires have been trying to lure Hansen to the team since the end of last season and he’ll be a difference-maker with the club.

“He’s one of the guys we really worked on to get here,” Fiesel explained. “(Assistant coach) TJ (Reeve) has been calling him and I’ve been following up and we’re really excited to get him.
“I thought he was a piece of the puzzle that we really needed.”

Knowing Hansen’s work habits is a definite advantage for Fiesel and the Millionaires.

“He’s going to fit right into our program,” Fiesel offered. “He’s not just coming down to the SJHL from the WHL to play, he’s coming here to help the team and help us be better — he wants to win.”

Other SJHL teams have also been making moves and Fiesel isn’t that concerned at this point.

“The same teams make moves and announce them early every year and there are other teams that don’t announce them,” Fiesel admitted. “We’re not that concerned with what other teams are doing. We think if you make all these announcements of new players, what do the other guys coming back think?”

Hansen had 51 points in four seasons with the Pats and Warriors and he is a former first round WHL Bantam draft pick, 10th overall back in 2010 by the Warriors.