The Moose Jaw Warriors called up Colton McCarthy to get a look at him over a six-day stretch.
The 16-year-old centre earned his way into the lineup every night in that stretch and garnered a positive review from head coach Mike Stothers.
“He’s having a great year so far,” said Stothers. “We played him all four games — maybe not as much as he’s used to playing — but what we saw, we liked.
“I like his energy and his skating ability. He has a nose for the net. He handled himself well. For a young kid, he did well.”
After impressing at training camp and signing with the Warriors, McCarthy was reassigned to the Junior B Nelson Leafs.
McCarthy headed back to Nelson Monday night, but Stothers indicated he would likely be called back at some point this season.
That would suit McCarthy just fine.
“I was excited when I got the phone call and to be able to play in the WHL is a great feeling,” said McCarthy who felt his time in Junior B helped ease the jump to the transition to Major Junior.
“It’s a lot faster (in the WHL). You have to make faster decisions with the puck. You have to forecheck harder and keep your head on a swivel.”
McCarthy was leading the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with 15 goals when he was called up. He was also fifth in league scoring with 23 points in 18 games.
“It’s been going well. My team is on an eight-game winning streak. We’re on top of the division. I’ve got Colton Schell — the captain — and Jacob Boyczuk helping me out a lot,” said McCarthy of his linemates.
