When Team SJHL’s 19U roster for the 2025 Western All-Star Challenge was initially announced Oct. 29, there was one name that seemed an especially glaring omission.
Bruins’ forward Cash Olson, an 18-year-old winger from Medicine Hat, AB., was tied for first amongst rookies in scoring with 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 14 games, more than any player on the roster but Weyburn’s Roan Burgess, who was tied with Olson for the freshman scoring lead.
Rather than hang his head or feel discouraged however, Olson did what he’s done all season long: remain focused, put his skates on with determination and deliver his nightly energy and scoring prowess in the team’s next game. After all, it one of the biggest yet this season, against the division-leading Red Wings.
Olson wasted no time getting on the board with his fifth of the season in the first period Friday, to knot the game at a goal apiece before the first intermission. Remaining close throughout, all the way to a shootout, he then delivered in the biggest moment, scoring the shootout winner on a slick move to fake a shot then slide the puck through the goalie’s pads for the winner.
Before the weekend was over, Bruins’ Head Coach and G.M., Drew Kocur had received the call inviting Olson to join the team.
“It was right after our game against Weyburn, Drew pulled me aside and gave me the news and we kind of talked about it a bit. It was a good feeling to get that invitation,” Olson said of receiving the news.
Kocur elaborated on the discussion, saying it’s a testament to Olson’s work ethic and determination that he’s at the Western All-Star Challenge today.
“We had talked after the roster got announced just about using it as motivation and just getting better every day, and that’s exactly what he did this past weekend,” Kocur said of his young game-breaker. “Cash is a gamer; he shows up every day at the rink and in the gym ready to work and be one of the best guys on the ice, so we’re really happy for him and we talked just before he left about going there and proving everyone wrong and that’s what he’s going to do.”
The invite is just the latest accolade for the young talent, who was also recently named the SJHL’s Rookie of the Week Oct. 27th, and engineered the league’s Highlight of the Week on a beautiful set-up of linemate Rylan Williams on a 2-on-0 versus Battlefords Oct. 25.
View this post on Instagram
Currently just outside the Top-10 in scoring (T-11th overall), Olson has been an integral part of the league’s highest-scoring line alongside veterans Ewan Rennie and Rylan Williams, a trio that’s already combined for 69 points (27 goals, 42 assists) in just 16 games.
Olson said getting the chance to play with two of the top veterans in the league has been an opportunity he’s not taken lightly.
“It definitely makes life a little easier on the ice out there playing with those guys,” Olson said with a smile. “I think we’re able to find each other pretty well, and I think right from camp we kind of knew that we clicked pretty well, and playing with them has been a great opportunity for me. It’s helped me a lot for sure, and it makes the game a lot easier playing with two guys like them.”
As he prepares for the first game of the Western All-Star Challenge Tuesday night, Olson said that of the star-studded roster, if there’s a couple of teammates he’s especially looking forward to suiting up with, it’s Melfort’s Kason Kobelka and Weyburn’s Roan Burgess.
“Obviously I’ve played against a lot of [the players named] but the only one I really knew was goalie, Kason Kobelka,” Olson said. “Me and him played on the same Alberta Cup team back in our draft year for Team Alberta Red. He’s a good guy and we clicked well so I’m sure we’ll click again when I see him here soon.”
Burgess was the name Olson mentioned when asked if there’s anyone he’s played against this year he might like the chance to play on a line with.
“Obviously a name that comes to mind is Roan Burgess, for sure,” Olson said. “Me and him have been having a good start to the season and I’m excited to see us on the same team and see how we do.”
Team SJHL will play two games at the Western All-Star Challenge against the top 19U talent on Team MJHL. The first game will be tonight (Tuesday) at 7:30 p.m., with the second tomorrow morning (Wed) at 11:30 a.m.
The event, which takes place in Martensville, SK., is a highly-competitive pre-selection camp to determine at least 20 Team Canada West training camp spots. This challenge will host the top 19U players from western Canada vying for the opportunity to represent the country at the 2025 Junior A World Challenge in Trois-Rivieres, QC., December 7-13, and will be attended by numerous NHL, WHL, NCAA, and USPORTS scouts.
Fans can follow along with all the action from the Western All-Star Challenge on the SJHL social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and X).
—
Marty Martinson/Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
