Forward
Snow Lake, MB
Calvin Cairns, an eighteen year old forward from Snow Lake, Manitoba, has been a vital component to any success celebrated by this season's Neepawa Natives.
Best described as a hard working and aggressive agitator on the ice, Cairns is also able to handle the puck in tight areas and is an intelligent and conscientious player.
Calvin's versatility has been of paramount importance to The Natives, as he has been able to play all roles with success - these roles have ranged from a checking and energy role to power play opportunities.
He has also been consistently successful when he plays a utility role, filling many different needs during the course of the season.
Coach Bryant Perrier speaks high praise for Cairns.
"It is rare that a rookie can come in part way through the season and impact a team's mentality the way Calvin has," Perrier said of the team's fighting major leader, who was acquired from Estevan in the late fall.
"The second Calvin came into our first practice, a new standard was set in the area of compete levels and intensity. Calvin has been a vital and incredibly important part of our season."
Well liked and respected by teammates, fans and The Natives' staff, Cairns fortifies what Neepawa Native Hockey has become.
"We really wanted to establish ourselves as a very difficult team to play against," Coach Perrier said. "Every trade and acquistion has been with that end in mind."
"Calvin has come in and actually personified what we as a team want to be. He works hard, is tough as nails, and he cares about his teammates more than himself."
And while Cairns has accepted a less than glorious role of crashing, banging and working hard to keep opponents honest, his coach says he is never overlooked.
"We know who goes out and chops the wood and keeps the fire burning. Guys like Calvin Cairns."
At 5 foot 10 and 175 pounds, Perrier says that Cairns defies all expectations.
"Calvin plays and impacts games like a big power forward. We are really hoping that nobody breaks it to him that he isn't 6 foot 6 and 230 pounds."
Cairns, who was a Manitoba Midget AAA all-star last season, has been a truly huge part of a successful transformation in Neepawa this season.
The Natives are thankful for his efforts and courage while his teammates and fans are very happy to to have him around to provide the spark he does.
He looks like he will be a big part of things in Neepawa for not only this season, but in the future.
Beyond that, his coach says there will be opportunities.
"Look around in the hockey world and teams cannot find many guys like Calvin. Guys like him are next to impossible to find."
