Pair of commitments to Neepawa Natives

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Published on Tuesday, July 12, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

A pair of players are joining the Neepawa Natives for the 2016-2017 Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) season. Eighteen-year old forward Riley Vautour and 16-year-old defenseman Sam Stewart signed their commitment papers with the club last week for the upcoming season.  

Stewart is a 6’00”, 187 pounder from Winnipeg, who was Neepawa’s second round selection in the 2015 MJHL bantam draft. He played for the Winnipeg Hawks this past season, generating three goals and 21 assists in 43 games for the club in the Winnipeg AAA Hockey League.

Neepawa Natives general manager Myles Cathcart said that Stewart is a very good player.

“[Stewart] sees the ice well and makes a good first pass out of his zone. He has a very good skill set.  Sam is a quality person off the ice and is a leader,” said Cathcart. 

As for Vautour, the 5’10”, 185 pound  forward from Stoney Mountain, has played the last three seasons with the Interlake Lightning of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League.  He tallied 13 goals and 21 assists in 44 games. Cathcart said that Vautour is a multi-faceted player. 

“Vautour is a physically strong player with lots of speed and will win battles in the corners. Riley is leader on and off the ice and we are excited to have him within the organization,” stated Cathcart.