After winning the Manitoba Junior Hockey League title last season with the Portage Terriers, an Airdrie goalie is changing his jersey.
Former Airdrie Xtreme Kurtis Chapman was traded to the Calgary Mustangs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League earlier this month, a move that surprised him.
"I was a little shocked, wasn't really expecting a trade. Both coaches contacted me and told me what was going down."
In 16 games played last season in Portage, Chapman put up a 2.94 Goals Against Average and a .905 Save Percentage. Chapman was stellar in the playoffs, winning 8 games including the Championship clincher, a 1-0 win over the OCN Blizzard in Game 6 of the finals.
"It's kinda bittersweet," said Chapman. "I would have liked going back to Portage and try and go for the four peat. It's just the way hockey goes and hopefully I can do the same with the Mustangs and lead them to the Championship."
The move will mean that Chapman is closer to home, and it also gives him the chance to play with former teammate Austin Cameron.
"He's a really good guy, a really good player too. It'll be fun getting to play with him again."
Cameron and Chapman led the Strathmore Bisons to the Telus Cup National Tournament in 2015 and played together the following season for the Olds Grizzlys.
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Fri, May 17, 4:00 PM
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