Image credit: Kamloops Blazers

By Earl Seitz

Blazers 20 year old quandary in 2020-21

Tough decisions ahead, Blazers with glut of 20 year olds in 2020-21

Mar 26, 2020 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS —- Now that the Blazers season is over with the cancellation of the playoffs in the Western Hockey League, the planning starts for next season.

There will be some tough decisions to make ahead of 2020-21.

The Blazers had seven 19 year olds this past season — who will be 20’s next season.

Roster are limited to three 20 year old players.

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All seven were impact players throughout the season, and in the case of two who came in trades in January, down the stretch before everything was cancelled.

At forward there are four — Ryley Appelt, Tyler Carpendale, Orrin Centazzo, and Brodi Stuart.

On defence the 20’s next season are Montana Onyebuchi, Sean Strange and Libor Zabransky.

The decision that has to be made before the overage cutoff date next season is who stays and who goes.

“Now that the season is over,” says general manager Matt Bardsley, “you’re right, it’s tough. In saying that I think there are going to be a few players, if it’s not going to be with us, they’ve done enough for themselves — they’re quality players and quality people, that if we need to try to find them a place within the league I think there’s going to be some opportunities for them — it’s just a matter of deciding who’s that going to be.”

If there’s a silver lining in tough decisions, it’s in getting quality for quality.

“Well it does.” says Bardsley. “If you’re going to move a player you certainly want to make sure you are being compensated for it.. We’ll have conversations as a staff deciding which direction we want to go. But I think we’re going to have a pretty exciting group next year. We’re going to have some guys coming in as first year players, just as we did this season, that are going to be pretty exciting for the fans as well.”

Bardsley says as disappointing as it was to end the teams best season in years, before it was over, right now the most important thing for everyone is social distancing, staying home, and staying healthy.

“It’s been tough having to end the season as early as we did. As far as the players understanding the season is over they’re going through the healing process — the number one thing is just making sure everyone stays safe, and hopefully we can all get back to what we’re doing, and you and I can do an interview in person, and not have to do it on the computer.