Slick-skating Canmore defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker will be the lone Bow Valley resident at the biggest bantam-level tournament in the province, as Canmore hosts the 2015 ATB Alberta Cup, April 29 to May 3.
The tournament attracts the best 14- and 15 year old players in Alberta, and more than 120 scouts are expected to be in attendance to see players at their best. In the past, players such as Jordan Eberle, Jay Bouwmeester, Braden Holtby and Dion Phaneuf have participated in the tournament.
The 15-year-old was thrilled to earn a spot on the Southern Alberta team roster and get a chance to finally play in his hometown. Despite the added spotlight, Bernard-Docker said the best thing to do with pressure is forget it.
“It’s a huge tournament and every game matters, but you play for fun and can’t focus on those other things,” he said. “I want to play my game, forget about who’s watching and play to the best of my ability.”
In his second season with the Bantam AAA Airdrie Xtreme, Bernard-Docker was named captain. He scored six goals and picked up three assists in 22 games for the Xtreme, was named team MVP and best defenceman.
“I like to jump up in the rush as a d-man. I can play a defensive roll, but I like to jump up,” Bernard-Docker said.
Fellow Bow Valley residents George Reed and Andrew Ahn joined him in Airdrie, as the trio was able to improve together.
“We weren’t the strongest team this year, but we improved lots,” Bernard-Docker said.
On and off the ice, Bernard-Docker likes to pattern his game after Montreal Canadiens Norris trophy winner P.K. Subban, and is trying to add a more physical element to his play.
“I’d like to be a little more physical and make people not want to come back to me. With the big, fast kids, it will make it easier to play,” Bernard-Docker said. “I like to play like P.K. Subban. He carries himself on and off the ice well. He’s fun to watch, has lots of tools and is entertaining.”
While he’d love to get drafted into the WHL and continue his dream path to the NHL, Bernard-Docker knows there are many paths ahead of him.
“I think it would be cool to get drafted, but not getting drafted isn’t the end of the world. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad hockey player. It’s not the end,” Bernard-Docker said.
As for next year, he plans to try out for the Midget AAA Strathmore Bisons and the minor midget AA team in Cochrane. But in the meantime, he believes his Alberta Cup team will be competitive.
“We’ll be a fast, aggressive team. Most of our players went to western championships, so they’ll play a key role on the team,” Bernard-Docker said. “A lot of the guys know each other and that will help with chemistry. Three of the guys were on my team, and I know most of the guys from hockey.”
The schedule begins on April 30 at 8 a.m. at Alex Kaleta Arena. Bernard-Docker’s first game is at 8:15 a.m. at the Thelma Crowe Arena. The playoffs begin on May 2.
“It will be a really cool tournament. I hope we get lots of support in the fan base,” Bernard-Docker said.
