The next couple of days are very much going to be a learn-as-you-go experience for Merrek Arpin and Jordan Gavin.
Acquired in the same deal from the Tri-City Americans, the two have travelled nearly 2000 kilometers from Kennewick to Brandon, flying to Minneapolis before making their way to Winnipeg and then Brandon, and just got into their first practice with their new teammates today.
“We kind of settled in a little bit last night,” Gavin said. “I got to meet my billet parents and that was good. To get my legs going after a long travel day is really good, and it’s obviously nice to meet all the guys.”
Both Gavin and Arpin began their WHL careers with the Americans and had played parts of at least three seasons with the team (four in Gavin’s case, thanks to a nine-game recall in 2021-22). While it was strange to move on from the only junior hockey home they’ve ever known, both said they were excited to be in Brandon.
“It was really exciting,” said Arpin. “It was kind of out of the blue, but it’s really exciting to be back. This is where I grew up watching WHL games and it’s really cool to experience getting to play out here. It’s awesome.”
For Arpin in particular, the trade represents a homecoming. He split his youth hockey days between Calgary and Winnipeg, and played most of his formative years in the Keystone Province.
“I played CSSHL with RHA Winnipeg and I played peewee hockey with the River East Marauders,” he said. “It’s pretty cool.”
The Wheat Kings are excited to have both players on board, and their first practice provided just a taste of why. Gavin’s hands, speed, and shot were all on display, and his talent in all areas of the offensive game was immediately obvious. As a former second-overall pick, he’s got a high ceiling and is hoping to hit it with the Wheat Kings.
“I think I’m a guy that can play in all situations,” Gavin said of his game. “I feel like I use my hockey IQ really well, and my playmaking ability, I feel, is definitely one of my best assets. For fans, look for me off the rush. In the offensive zone I create a lot.”
Arpin, meanwhile, slots immediately into the spot on the depth chart vacated by Charlie Elick in the trade. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing over 200 pounds, and being a right-handed defenseman, he’ll be a natural fit on the back end. And with his skating and defensive awareness, both he and the Wheat Kings think he can be a calming influence.
“I bring a good two-way game,” said Arpin. “I break pucks out quickly and I’m a good skater. I can shut down teams’ top offensive lines and I see the ice well. I move well, I move laterally well. It’s going to be fun playing here.”
Though each player has only been with the Wheat Kings for the one practice, they’ve already started to get a sense of where the team’s ambitions lie for this season. The goal is clear: win the division in the regular season, and make noise in the playoffs.
“Seeing the standings in East Division, obviously Brandon has a really good record so far,” Gavin said. “We’re aiming for the top of that division. I’m super excited to get going with this team, and I know its future is bright. I feel like we’ve got a really good couple of years coming up here.”
“They want us to finish first in the East Division,” said Arpin. “I think we have a really good shot at that and a good, long playoff run.”
The Wheat Kings host the Portland Winterhawks tomorrow night at 7:00.
