During his first few weeks as a BCHL rookie last season, ice time was a scarce commodity for Quin Foreman. A year later, there’s no forward the West Kelowna Warriors rely on than more than the 20-year-old from Norwood, Mass.
In addition to logging heavy minutes in 2016-17, Foreman has set the early scoring pace for the Warriors, with 13 goals and 27 points in the first 20 games.
With forwards like Liam Blackburn, Kylar Hope and Jonathan Desbiens no longer on the roster, Foreman’s role has been bolstered, both in the leadership and offensive departments.
Warriors’ head coach and GM Rylan Ferster said when the break came last year, Foreman seized the opportunity.
“I had many chats with him early last season and told him it wasn’t that he wasn’t a good player, it was just hard to find ice for him,” said Ferster.
“Then when someone got hurt, he got his opportunity and he was determined he wasn’t going to lose that spot.
“This season, he’s moved up the chain again and has been just great for us, both as a leader and one of our top forwards. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Playing on a line last season with Blackburn and Garret Forster, Foreman gradually gained confidence and experience and became a key piece of the Warriors’ run to BCHL and RBC Cup titles.
This season, Foreman has kicked his game up another notch and is now part of the Warriors’ most productive scoring unit, along with Conner Sodegren and Matthew Campese.
“Obviously, it’s a little different this year, I have more of a leadership role and I’m just relied on a little bit more, too,” said Foreman, who will attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire next season.
“As an older player, I can’t just sit back wait for someone else to do it. I like being relied on to help the team.”
Given the option, Ferster would be happy with a few more Quin Foremans on the roster.
“He’s a first-class kid who has moved into a leadership role, and he just goes out there and does things the right way,” Ferster said.
“Quin does exactly what you ask, he cares about the team, and he just has all the check boxes you want from a player.”
Warriors add Stevenson…
The Warriors have added forward Chase Stevenson to their roster. The 17-year-old West Kelowna product started this season with the BCMML’s Okanagan Rockets, where he scored four goals and nine points in his first five games.
Last season, he had 29 points in 20 games with the midget Rockets.
“Adding a local player that provides skill and work ethic is a good combination,” said Warriors’ general manager and head coach Rylan Ferster. Stevenson was set to make his debut Thursday night as the Warriors paid a visit to the Trail Smoke Eaters.