Peter Stoykewych

Peter Stoykewych came to the Winnipeg Blues back in the 2008/09 season, and made an immediate impact. The 6’3, 195 pound defenseman played against all the top lines in the MJHL, making life difficult for them on a nightly basis.

Winnipeg Blues

In two seasons with the Blues, Stoykewych would light the lamp 10 times, while compiling 47 points between the 08/09 to 09/10 seasons.

It would be an exciting off season for Stoykewych in the summer of 2010, as he was drafted in the 7^th round, 199^th overall by the Atlanta Thrashers (Now the Winnipeg Jets) in June 2010.

Stoykewych would end up heading to the USHL and suited up for the Des Moines Buccaneers for the 2010/11 season where he put home 5 goals and 15 points in 58 games.

After a great junior career, Stoykewych headed to Colorado College last season, a division 1 school in the WCHA, and played in 26 games for the Tigers, registering 3 assists.

We had a chance to catch up with the former Winnipeg Blue, and see how he’s been doing since leaving the Blues Organization.

First of all, coming off a great junior career, you began a new phase of your hockey career with Colorado College last season. How was that experience for you?

“My first season at CC was awesome. One of the things that struck me most is unlike junior hockey, college teams are together for four consecutive years. So when a new class enters the team its amazing to see how quickly you are taken into the family that is college hockey. It doesn’t take long to realize that playing for a team isn’t just about the hockey, it about the school and the people that you are representing on a daily basis including your classmates and teachers. Some of the atmospheres and arenas you get to play in make you feel like a pro night in and night out. On top of this you get your college education at the same time”

What were some of the biggest differences you noticed making the transition from junior hockey to college hockey?

“One of the biggest differences between junior and college is the speed and strength. Playing against players up to 24 or 25 years old means you’re not playing against boys anymore, you’re playing against men. There is no weak lines, everyone can play and if you don’t show up on any given night you’re going to lose.”

You spent two seasons with the Blues, what are some of the moments, or some of the best memories you have of your time as a Blue?

“Playing with the Blues was something I’ll never forget. The best memories I have with that team are just being around the guys. I made a lot of good friends on those teams that I still talk with and hang out with regularly. It’s always good to reminisce about some of the things that went on during that time. It’s these friendships that I will remember most from my time as a Blue.”

Being drafted in the NHL by Atlanta in 2010. How exciting was that day for you? And then to find out the team that drafted you was moving to your hometown. What was your reaction when you heard the news?

“Getting drafted out of the MJ was a huge honor for me. It’s always great to be noticed like that but I understand that it’s just a feather in your cap so to speak. Being drafted is just the beginning and there is a long way to go before you even have a crack at playing in the NHL. The fact that the team is now in Winnipeg just provides extra incentive to work to get to that level.”

For players who are trying to become a member of the Winnipeg Blues organization, what advice would you give the young guys looking to make the club?

For young guys trying to make the Blues I would say just have fun. If you’re having fun, all the time and work that you have to put into something to be successful doesn’t seem like work if you enjoy it.