The Brandon Wheat Kings are putting their faith in young goaltender Carson Bjarnason to be their backup this season.

The Carberry, Manitoba product won a battle between a few goalies in the Wheat Kings' system, despite having a bit of a disadvantage. Bjarnason wasn't drafted into the WHL and is just 16-years-old; securing a spot on a WHL roster, under those circumstances, is a rare occurrence. He describes his initial reaction to making the roster.

"I wasn't a drafted guy from the 2005 class so I was clearly nervous and had my doubts but, in the end, I worked my way up to the top. They signed me and then told me I made the team," Bjarnason explains. "I was super ecstatic at the time but then I realized this is when all the work really begins. So, I have had to hit the reset button and start all over."

He says being a goalie has taught him how to keep his emotions in check, which Bjarnason says has been crucial so far in his WHL career. The goaltender played last season with RINK Hockey Academy where he only got into two games due to COVID-19, however, he says it prepared him well for the road ahead. Bjarnason says even with great preparation, it has still been a very big transition.

"Obviously, all the guys at this level are bigger, stronger, faster, and they all have harder shots. Plays just develop faster, especially in your own zone," says Bjarnason. "You really have to adapt to the pace of play but that comes with time as well. So, I'm sure in a little while I'll be just fine."

Bjarnason says his main goal in his first few starts will be to prove he belongs at that level. He knows he was an underdog coming into training camp and he says he will keep that mentality and use it to his benefit.

The local goalie gives a message to young athletes striving to succeed.

"Keep working. When you make it to a certain level, you can't just be satisfied with what you have. Once you get there you have to basically start over, that's the way it is going to be every level you jump," Bjarnason explains. "The main things I took away are always work hard no matter what and you can't get too comfortable where you're at."

The Wheat Kings will be in action next tomorrow against the Saskatoon Blades.