A Portage Collegiate student got the opportunity to play against the team he has rooted for his entire life. 16-year-old Kye Parker is a defenceman for the U18 AAA Interlake Lightning but was called up to the MJHL for the Winnipeg Freeze this past Wednesday.

Not only did he have the chance to see what it was like at the next level, the Freeze were actually playing in Portage against Parker's local team. He describes what it was like getting a taste of the MJHL in front of some friends and family.

"It was awesome," says Parker. "It was exciting out there and it was a big step up from what I am used to. It was a lot of fun though."

The defenceman has six assists this year for the Lightning and while he was unable to get on the score sheet in his first appearance with the Freeze, he impressed many. Parker says his coaches with the Lightning helped him line up the opportunity but notes he only found out he was going to be playing with Winnipeg the night before the game.

Parker says the MJHL is a much faster league than he is used to.

"The biggest difference is probably foot speed," Parker explains. "It's a lot quicker up here. You have to move pucks a lot quicker and skate a lot quicker."

Now with one game under his belt in Junior A, Parker describes what he'll want to work on going forward.

"My fitness, I'll have to keep that up," Parker continues. "Also, making quicker decisions with the puck. I want to pick it up quick, getting control, and then moving it quickly."

Parker has finished his season with Interlake and will now hope to see some more ice time with the Freeze in some future endeavours.