Natives Believe Young Giant Is The Real Deal
June 1, 2010
Brendan Dusik, a 6 foot 4, 195 pound defenceman is currently one of the top prospects in The Neepawa Natives organization. The Natives drafted Dusik in MJHL Draft 2009. He is coming off a solid season with Central Plains of MBAAA. The Natives are confident that Dusik is capable of being a contributing factor for the club next season as a 16 year old.
It is rare to see a 1994 date of birth on a junior hockey depth chart.
As a matter of fact, there are probably not more than a handful of 16 year old prospects in Western Canada who are pencilled in to be able to play in junior hockey.
Brendan Dusik is an exception.
"Brendan is a very good hockey player," said Natives coach Bryant Perrier. "His development in the past year was great. He came into our spring camp a completely different player than last fall when he was 15."
That's not to say that he wasn't special at fall camp back in 2009.
"He had a very good camp with us as a 15 year old back in 2009," Perrier said. "Brendan was great in the inter-squad game, and we even asked permission for him to play exhibition with us. But, we got denied."
Despite not being able to suit up for those games, Dusik travelled with the team, and gained a valuable appreciation for what it takes to play at the junior level.
Now, at 16 years of age, he is more than ready to make that step.
First, he will attend training camp with Chilliwack - a step Perrier has no problem with.
"Brendan is going to go gain valuable experience with another group of players and coaches and that is a great thing," he said. "He is familar with our program, our town, our billets, our dressing room. He knows us and he is comfortable here. For him to expand his horizons in another province can only help him grow as a player."
The decision on whether to play in The WHL will be Dusiks.
"Brendan is a big boy and a legitimate prospect to play at the highest levels." Perrier added. "We have always maintained that a physically gifted and mature player should explore all routes."
The key for Dusik will be to ultimately decide between NCAA and WHL hockey.
Both levels are at his finger tips according to Natives coach Perrier.
"Dusiks are fully aware that there are NCAA schools already fully engaged in the process of tracking him," he said. "All we have done is talked about keeping options open."
If that happens, and Dusik returns to Neepawa in the fall to pursue the NCAA route, local fans can be assured that the young giant needs no development or maturing in the physical side of the game.
"He is mentally and physically tough," said Coach Perrier. "He will make any team better."
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