Fernie Ghostriders winger Ethan Jang commits to Junior A
Rookie left winger third KIJHL commit of 2018/19 season
Since starting with the First Ghostriders at the beginning of this season, left winger Ethan Jang has worked hard. His recent committment to the Port Alberni Bulldogs is proof that his hard work has not gone unnoticed.
The 6’0, 170-pound rookie from Rossland, B.C. has scored seven goals and assisted three in the past 30 regular season games. The 16-year-old spent last season with the B.C. Major Midget League’s Kootenay Ice, where he scored 14 goals and finished with 29 points in 39 regular season games. His goals put him in sixth among all 2001-born players.
“We’d like to congratulate Ethan on his commitment to the Bulldogs,” said Ghostriders head coach Craig Mohr. “Alberni Valley will be getting a fast skating, hard hitting left winger. Ethan leads our team in shorthanded goals and is consistently our leading hitter in most games. Not only are the Bulldogs getting a great player, they’re also getting a great person.”
Skating has been a part of Jang’s life since he was five, and this could be the reason his skating is so strong, 11 years later.
“I definitely think my skating is a little bit above average,” he said. “I’m known for going north and south really quick.”
Bulldogs head coach, Matt Hughes reiterated this when speaking to the trade.
“Ethan plays an aggressive, in-your-face style and skates very well for his age,” said Hughes. “He stepped into our lineup back in October as an affiliate player against a good Wenatchee team and his speed and compete level stood out immediately. He plays with intensity, finishes checks and has a ton of potential to be a contributor in all facets of the game. We’re excited to see Ethan continue his development in a Bulldogs uniform.”
Skating runs deep in Jang’s blood. Growing up, he watched his brothers play, and also watched his uncle, Dallas Drake, perform in the NHL. During his time playing for Detroit [1992-1994],Winnipeg [1993-1996], Phoenix [1996-2000], St. Louis [2000-2007], and Detroit [2007-2008], Drake racked up an impressive 177 goals and 300 assists.
After receiving the call to join a Junior A team, both Jang and his parents agreed it would be a good move. Jang admitted the Bulldogs weren’t a team he had his sights on, but after playing a game there as an affiliate player, he realized it would be a good fit for him.
“Junior A is big step up,” he said. “The players are more skilled, and quicker with making decisions. Even just the speed and body size is a lot bigger.”
One of Jang’s big goals was to make it to Junior A. He hopes to one day play for a college, whether that means Div. one, two or three. He believes getting to a school would help him out a lot in the future.
In terms of the near future, Jang says he’s going to keep his head down and work hard.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the past couple years and hopefully it will take me somewhere,” he said.
Jang will continue to play for the Ghostriders and be available to play BCHL games as an affiliate player this season before joining the Bulldogs full-time next year.