Former Nipawin Hawks forward Jaxsen Wiebe. (submitted photo/Clark Stork)

By Ben Tompkins

Dream come true

Former Hawk excited about NHL future

Apr 25, 2023 | 10:53 AM

A former Nipawin Hawks player is destined to live out his NHL dream later this year.

Jaxsen Wiebe signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks last month and has since finished up his junior career.

Weibe began with the Hawks when he was just 16 years old, after being drafted in 2017, and suited up a total of 59 times while registering 38 points.

When reflecting on his time in black and yellow, Wiebe told northeastNOW it was one of the most important years of his career so far.

“Playing in a league like the SJHL when you’re a young kid, it’s tough because it’s a rough game out there, and it kind of helps you develop that two-way game and that rough game where you can play with those men,” he said.

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“I learned to do that at a young age and that helped me develop a different part of my game that not many people have, and I think that’s what set me apart and ultimately got me looks at the NHL level and let me sign with the Ducks. That grit to my game, I learned a lot of that from Nipawin.”

The Moose Jaw native would later go on to play 73 games for the Red Deer Rebels, collecting 20 points in that span, 73 games for the Edmonton Oil Kings, racking up 52 points, and 48 games for the Prince George Cougars, netting 40 points.

That Western Hockey League (WHL) career was highlighted by a WHL Championship with Edmonton, last June, where he then proceeded to lead his team in scoring, during their Memorial Cup appearance.

The 20-year-old will now get to join a very talented young system in Anaheim, which include names like Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish, Jamie Drysdale, Olen Zellweger, Nathan Gaucher and even Connor Hvidston.

When asked if he thought he’d ever be able to compete with guys like that, Wiebe explained he’s always believed in himself and is ready to face anything in his path.

“I believed in myself, I didn’t know if it would be a contract or going to camp and making an A-deal or whatever, but I always thought that I had the knack for pro hockey and I knew I could play with those guys. I think I proved that and it’s nothing but excitement from here and the work just starts.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8