Steinbach Pistons prospect Kyle Bettens has committed to the Bemidji State University Beavers of NCAA Division I this past weekend.
Bettens has spent the season with the Winnipeg Wild of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. He is currently 2nd in the MMHL with 52 points (23 G, 29 A) in 34 games with the Wild this season.
Bettens is incredibly excited to be heading to NCAA Division I hockey in the future. “Knowing I’m going to a great school and world class hockey program is everything I’ve ever wanted,” he said. “I had dreamt of this moment, and to realize it’s actually happened is a feeling and emotion I won’t forget.”
The 16-year-old from Winnipeg stands at 6’2”, and he can skate while having the ability to finish around the net. “I think the game today is speed, and I think I bring lots of speed and physical aspects to my game,” he described. “I work on my overall two-way game, and try to just keep getting better each day throughout the season.”
Bettens was called up to play for Steinbach on November 22nd against the Winnipeg Blues. He played on the top line with Drew Worrad and Bradley Schoonbaert, and registered 3 assists in the victory. He says that Head Coach Paul Dyck has been an huge help in his success both with the Wild and Pistons this season. “He helps me a lot when I go to practice (with the Pistons), and the game when I got called up,” he explains. “Paul has taught me a lot in little time, and I can’t wait to play for him in the future. He has influenced me to become not only a better hockey player, but person as well.”