WINNIPEG — Getting noticed is all part of being a professional hockey player. But people recognize Manitoba Moose defenceman Peter Stoykewych more than others.
Why you ask? It’s because he’s the hometown kid playing for the hometown team.
“Me and my family would go to games all the time,” said Stoykewych. “We would sit up in the nosebleeds of the old Winnipeg Arena and we would watch the Moose.”
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The 24-year-old Winnipegger is in his second season with the team. According to him, the Moose are a big part of his identity.
“It’s really not just a logo to me, it’s sort of who I am,” said Stoykewych. “It’s where I come from.”
Stoykewych’s path to the pros started in the Assiniboine Park Minor Hockey Association. He played for the Bantam AA Assiniboine Park Rangers before moving on to the Bantam AAA Winnipeg Monarchs. Stoykewych also spent time with the Midget AAA Winnipeg Wild and Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Winnipeg Blues.
“Everybody gives you things that you carry forward,” said Stoykewych. “A lot of those things aren’t necessarily things that happen on the ice. It’s a lot about growing up and being a good person.”
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Skills he was also taught while attending St. John’s-Ravenscourt School.
“I would come out to the Dutton Arena for gym class,” said Stoykewych. “I spent a lot of time on that ice.”
Working on goals inspired by his hockey heroes.
“A lot of the time, that’s why we play as well,” said Stoykewych. “It’s so the kid that has that dream up in the nosebleeds will chase it.”