Brandon Wheat Kings superstar began career hating hockey

BRANDON, Man. — He’s a natural on the ice. A promising prospect. But believe it or not, there was a day when Brandon Wheat Kings forward Nolan Patrick nearly stopped skating.

“When I was younger, I didn’t want to go on the ice,” said Patrick.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "When I was younger, I didn't want to go on the ice," said Patrick.

“I hated it so much. I didn’t want to go out for skating camp.”

How things have changed. Patrick is pegged to be a top pick in next year’s NHL Entry Draft.

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“If people are expecting me to be that high, it pushes me to be the player they’re expecting me to be,” said Patrick.

The Winnipegger’s stock shot up this season after he scored 41 goals and 61 assists – 46 more points than the previous year.

“I think he would go in one of the top spots if he was in this year’s draft,” said Brandon Wheat Kings head coach Kelly McCrimmon. “I think he’s a tremendous player.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think he would go in one of the top spots if he was in this year's draft," said Brandon Wheat Kings head coach Kelly McCrimmon. "I think he's a tremendous player."

To get ready for this season, Patrick gained ten pounds of muscle in three months thanks to daily workouts in his garage gym. Setting up those training sessions was his uncle, James Patrick, who knows a thing or two about preparing to play in the big leagues. He did suit up in 1,280 NHL games and is currently an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.

“He’s a hockey freak,” said Patrick. “He loves the game more than anybody I’ve ever seen. If I make a few mistakes, he’ll give me a call after a game to give me tips and break it down.”

Guidance for a goal of one day playing in the NHL.