Natives Privileged To Be A Part Of Oliver's Journey
June 1, 2010
The Neepawa Natives are thrilled to have acquired 1993 born forward Curtis Oliver from OCN in an April trade. Oliver, who hails from Elkhorn, Manitoba is a dynamic skater who is brimming with high levels of skill and ability.
The Neepawa Natives and OCN Blizzard have been trading partners on a few occasions in the past two months.
But, it was a simple name that set it all in motion.
Curtis Oliver.
"We were back and forth on draft deals and talking players and we just weren't getting anywhere," said Natives coach Bryant Perrier. "Then, when Scott said okay to us getting Curtis Oliver in one of the deals, it all fell into place."
The Natives eventually consummated a deal with OCN that sent their first and second picks in this year's MJHL draft to their northern rivals, and got the smooth skating and talented forward.
Oliver, who was second on his team in goal scoring this past season
with 21 markers, is a player Coach Perrier feels can step in as an underaged player.
But only if it is going to work to the fullest in his development.
"Curtis is a guy you have to really make sure with because he has such a promising future," Perrier said. "We are talking about a guy who has pretty close to a perfect skating stride and who can shoot the puck a ton. We want to make sure that next season is a highly productive one for him."
That is where communication comes into play.
"We have been talking with Oliver's a lot. They are fine people," Perrier said. "We will keep talking through camp and exhibition, and we will make a decision that best suits Curtis and his family."
The Natives, according to Perrier, were very surprised with Curtis' abilities at spring camp in April.
"We saw Curtis throughout the year, and obviously liked him enough to trade a 1st and 2nd rounder for him," offered the coach. "But, in our spring camp when he was playing with our veterans, he really took off. That is the sign of greatness - when you prosper with better players around you."
All of these things are evidence that Curtis Oliver has the ability to be a very good MJHLer.
As a matter of fact, the Natives are certain he has the ability to play this season.
"We know Curtis can play," Perrier said. "It now comes down to making sure we all make the right decision to help his career develop the way it can."
"Making decisions like this are a privilege because of the quality of player we are working with on this."
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