A new player emerged on the Ghostriders’ line up last month, and he has made quite an impact in the time that he has been with the team. Alex Cheveldave, 19, wasn’t meant to play for any Junior B team, but when a month-long suspension from the Junior A league left him without a team, a friend of his suggested he contact the Ghostriders.
“It was through Brandon Butler. He’s one of my good buds from Calgary so he kind of referred me to the Ghostriders. I played spring hockey with him for three or four years,” said Cheveldave.
Butler has been playing goal for the Ghostriders for the past two seasons and encouraged Cheveldave to play for the Ghostriders.
Cheveldave was playing for the Yorkton Terriers in Saskatchewan when he was traded to Fort Frances, Ont. He neglected to show up to the new team, resulting in a month long suspension. Cheveldave isn’t entirely disappointed, as the suspension gave him the opportunity to play with a new team in a town close to his hometown of Calgary, Alta.
“It’s actually a great place to play. I’ve really enjoyed myself. The guys – I’ve just meshed real well,” he said. “It’s a great time, great place, great coaches.”
Cheveldave has been lacing up hockey skates since he was four, at the behest of his father, who was an avid hockey player and fan. He played goalie until he was 15, and now he plays any position asked of him.
“I’m more of a rover. I’m normally a D Man but [Head Coach Craig] Mohr has me playing forward here,” he said.
His presence has been felt. During the nine games he played for the Ghostriders, he has scored six goals and earned five assists, putting him behind Zach Befus, Justin Peers and Cole Keebler on the team’s stats list.
While his suspension has lifted, Cheveldave is waiting to hear from the Yorkton Terriers to see if they have a spot for him or if he has been traded to yet another team.
“That decision is going to be a last minute one. I kind of just have to wait around for a trade if I get traded somewhere or if I get stiffed.”
Cheveldave isn’t sure of the near future, but he does know exactly what he wants to do. “Of course – I want to keep playing hockey until I can’t anymore.”