Princeton Posse defenceman Grady Sterling-Ponech has signed to play with the Weyburn Red Wings in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 2023-24.
Sterling-Ponech played one season with the Posse, collecting 15 points in 41 regular season games. He added three points in 22 playoff games as he helped the Posse reach the KIJHL Teck Cup Playoffs championship. Sterling-Ponech joined the Posse from the Lethbridge Hurricanes U18 AAA program.
Sterling-Ponech had a great experience playing for the Posse and added that Posse Head Coach-GM Mark Readman runs a Junior A-style program.
“That contributed a lot to our team’s success. We were fortunate to have a great group of guys which made it fun to go to the rink every day,” said Sterling Ponech. “The support we received during our playoff run from the Town of Princeton was unbelievable and I am very thankful for everything the community did for the team.”
Sterling-Ponech added that playing in Princeton allowed him to gain experience playing against older and more physical players.
“I was also able to improve my puck management skills and play in many different situations,” he said.
Readman recruited the Lethbridge product with the intention of him playing a big role on their defence.
“Grady came in hungry and eager to assert himself as a top-pairing defenceman in our league and he did that in spades,” said Readman. “Playing against the top competition on a nightly basis, growing into a leader as the season led on, and having a phenomenal postseason.
“We are not shocked to see Grady be rewarded for his efforts, after playing some games in the BCHL, now securing his position with the Weyburn Red Wings,” added Readman. “He consistently put in the work, using the extra resources whenever he could to continue to grow his game. Grady is truly a pro in every sense of the word.”
