Shindle's first MJHL point comes against hometown team

Maddox Shindle had the opportunity of a lifetime with the Virden Oil Capitals. The Portage la Prairie defenceman took part in the squad's training camp and was able to play in a pair of preseason games, one of which came against the Portage Terriers. Shindle says he didn't expect to stay with the team for as long as he did.

"I was excited to get invited to main camp in Virden. My initial goal was to make it to the inter-squad game. After that game, they asked my parents if they could keep me for the week to practice and play in the rookie game against Portage," Shindle continues. "I practiced for the week and found myself in the lineup against Estevan, as well."

He took part in his first two preseason games at the MJHL level and even put up a point against the team he's cheered for his entire life.

"When we came to Portage, my dad told me not to let the location change my game. He said to just go out and work hard every shift. It made it even better to get the win."

Shindle was named the Zone 4 Top Defenceman last season, spending it with the Portage Collegiate Trojans. While he didn't make the cut for the Oil Capitals, he is onto new horizons this year but is grateful for his time with the PCI squad.

"The last two years with the Trojans have been fun. I will miss the guys, but I am making new friends already. I'm going to work hard at the AAA level with the Parkland Rangers."

The defenceman hopes to help the Rangers return to the postseason, while also improving his individual abilities.

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