MJHL All Star and MJHL's best defenceman Ed Friesen at 2009-2010 All Star game.

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The Neepawa Natives are pleased to announce that Captain Ed Friesen has decided against an opportunity to return to the WHL for the upcoming season.

 

Friesen, 20 and a native of Gladstone, Manitoba, had received an opportunity to attend training camp with The Regina Pats of The WHL.

 

"Ed is a great player and Regina had a spot for him as they have recently lost three of their 1990 born players to pro hockey (Jordan Eberle -  Edmonton, Colton Teubert - LA, Tomas Hrcina - Czech Republic), so it looked very good for him to be able to play a significant role there," said Natives coach Bryant Perrier.

 

After lengthy discussions, in which The Natives staff encouraged Friesen to take the opportunity even though it would have been a huge blow to the team's season, Friesen made the decision to return to Neepawa in quest for his second MJHL championship in three years.

 

"We are not in the position of holding people up and we are all about advancement," Perrier said. "Ed deserved to know that we were completely supportive of him moving to Regina. We let it be known that we feel he is a player who can play at the highest levels someday and that this would be a great way to speed up that process."

 

"We also talked about how much we believe he can develop here."

 

Perrier was complimentary of the Regina organization, and  the way they handled things.

 

"They came right through the front door with honesty and showed respect," he said. "They handled the whole thing with class and honor."

 

As fall approaches, The Natives are confident in their group heading into next season - most of all in the area of leadership.

 

"Ed is a great leader," Perrier said. "Regina is a smart organization and they picked a great guy to bring in."

 

"We are grateful to Ed for his confidence in our program and also glad that he is getting recognition outside our league."

 

"He deserves it."