After appearing in 3 games in his underage season, Clarke Caswell is looking to step-in and make a difference on the ice every game and help his team build a successful season during his first full Western Hockey League campaign in 2022-23. The 16-year-old, Brandon, MB native and 6th overall pick from the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft picked up 1 assist in his 3 games with the Broncos last season. He also amassed 35 goals and 88 points in 38 regular season games with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA club.
For Caswell, the difference in the game between playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA club and junior hockey was noticeable including the pace of the game and how much stronger the players were at the next level.
To prepare for the upcoming season he has spent a lot of time in the gym getting stronger physically so that he is able to transition much smoother into the next level. He has also been practicing a lot on the ice a lot and building up his speed and skills to match the players in the WHL. Overall, Caswell believes he needs to work on his physicality and strength to become a better all around player.
Another adjustment Caswell indicated he will have to make in his rookie campaign will be balancing the long travel schedule, total games played, and schooling requirements of a being a student athlete in the WHL.
“Only visiting Swift once during my first game I didn’t get too see to much of the city but my favorite place so far is the arena as it is is a nice facility” said Caswell when asked what his favorite places were in Swift Current from his visits to date.
