The Whitecourt Wolverines are proud to announce 16-year-old forward Taden Rattie has committed to play for the Western Michigan Broncos (NCAA, Div. 1).
The 6’3, 175 pound Airdrie, Alberta product is in his first season in the AJHL. In 27 games he has compiled 5 goals and 4 assists to go along with 76 penalty minutes.
“It’s big news for him as an individual and big news for our program,” said Wolverines head coach and GM Joey Bouchard. “Taden’s come in with a really good approach and attitude, he’s a very humble guy and has earned the right to have a full ride scholarship to Western Michigan.”
“He’s really led on the ice and has been very consistent. He plays with an edge and makes the players around him better,” continued Bouchard. “For a 16 year old to come into this league from minor midget AAA is impressive and he’s become an important member for this team.”
“There’s definitely a plan in place and we’ve talked very closely to with the coaching staff at Western Michigan,” said Bouchard on continuing to develop Rattie’s game. “For him, the work begins now and he knows that. He has the right attitude, he’s a student of the game, he knows what is expected of him and he continues to progress nicely.”
“I was really excited to get the offer, came as a bit of a surprise and I really want to thank my family for all their support as well as the entire Wolverines organization,” said Rattie. “I want to improve my skating and strength to make sure I am able to be successful when I make the jump in a couple years.”
Rattie had the chance this year to follow in his brother Ty’s footsteps and play in the Western Hockey League with the Portland Winterhawks, but he says he felt the AJHL route was the right decision for him, “I think this was the best option for me, it’s given me a great opportunity to go to a good school like Western Michigan and be able to play the game I love.”
The Broncos play in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and are coached by long time NHL bench boss Andy Murray. More than 20 Broncos alumni have gone on to play in the NHL following their collegiate careers including Joe Corvo, Danny DeKeyser, Glenn Healy, Keith Jones, Jamal Mayers and former Bonnyville Pontiac Mark Letestu.
The entire Wolverines organization would like to congratulate Taden and his family on his selection of Western Michigan for his college experience and wish him all the best in his academics and athletics.
Last year the Wolverines sent 8 players onto collegiate careers at the CIS, ACAC or NCAA.
Taden is the 2nd Wolverine committed to play in the NCAA this season:
James Vermeulen – Northern Michigan University
Taden Rattie – Western Michigan University