Portage Terriers’ rookie Kian Calder has been fitting in quite well through eight games this season.

The Portage born defenceman is tied for third in points by a rookie defenceman (5) and is also tied for most goals scored by a rookie with four. He says the game is a lot faster in the MJHL and there are many more highly-skilled players than in U-18 AAA. Calder says having a veteran show him the ropes really helped.

“Playing with (Layne) Toder for my first couple of games really helped me adjust,” explains Calder. “He’s one of those guys where, if you play with him and you’re in the locker room with him, he takes you under his wing and shows you the ropes.”

Toder was recently traded away from the Terriers but played six games in Portage this season, most of them being paired with Calder. 

Calder says he’s been fairly happy with his play thus far, noting it definitely took a few games to get the hang of the pace. He says his transition game is something he improved over the summer and he’s happy to see his hard work starting to pay off in-game. 

Kian is the second Calder on the Terriers’ roster as his older brother Logan Calder is in his third season with the Dogs. He talks about what it has been like to play alongside his brother for their hometown team.

“It’s pretty special,” says Calder. “That was definitely the deciding factor for me to play for the Terriers this year. I’m really enjoying it and I know my mom is pretty happy about it too.”

Calder was the captain of the U-18 AAA Central Plain Capitals last year and totalled 59 points in 43 games. He outlines the most important thing he learned with the Capitals last season.

“Playing my minutes and getting into different situations a bunch really helped me out,” Calder explains. “I worked a lot on the power-play and getting shot through. I tried to make all my passes and pass it harder. Overall, being in those situations and learning how to deal with things differently really helped me be ready for the MJHL.”

Calder hopes everyone is able to stay safe over the next month and a half so the Terriers can get back on the ice in front of fans.