Canes overagers talk about careers

By Lethbridge Herald on May 5, 2022.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Lethbridge Hurricanes' overagers Corson Hopwo, Justin Hall and Kade Nolan pose for a group picture during locker room clean out at the Enmax Centre on Monday.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Hurricanes cleared out their lockers on Monday and for overagers Corson Hopwo, Justin Hall and Kade Nolan, it was there last time together before bidding farewell to their Western Hockey League careers

For Hall, it was a memorable season as he was named team MVP after amassing 74 points in 62 games this season to finish out the 2021-2022 season.

In four seasons in Lethbridge, he played 188 games, scoring 62 goals and  adding  84 assists for a total of 146 points.

“Yeah, it was pretty amazing I guess once you look back on it in those four years ,” said Hall.

“You know, it’s kind of been my home here for the past four years. It’s pretty tough to leave but I loved every second of being here and I’m not going to forget it anytime soon.”

He felt is confidence grew from when he came in as a 17-year-old who didn’t really expect much.

“You know coming from 17 and then you know 18-year-old year , I started to get a little more confidence,” he said.

“And 19 and 20, I really built on that and kind of just went on a roll with that. It was good for me.”

He credits his parents for getting him to the WHL.

“They’ve provided so much for me and you know sacrificed so much in terms of money and time and all that sort of stuff to get me where I am today,” said Hall.

“So, I think if  they’re not as supportive —  I don’t make it here. But obviously the coaches are super helpful. You know Kis (Brent Kisio) has been here my whole time and same with Matt (Anholt). So Matty — he came in when I was 17 and I thought we really bonded well.”

His memories of his time in Lethbridge were the big games that were won and his last regular season home game.

He is hoping there are some professional hockey opportunities out there.

Hopwo played in 201 games in the WHL and  totalling 106 points between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

“I was really proud on how I played throughout my four years with the exception of this year,” said Hopwo.

“I thought I had a really good WHL career and am so thankful that I could be a part of the WHL. And I’m grateful to be a part of such a great league and to have so many memories to share .”

Hopwo remembered in his first WHL game being so nervous as a 16-year-old, which was the only game he played that year.

“But when I was 17, I started the year well,” he said.

“You know, as expected as a young 17-year-old, just did what I was supposed to and everything — and I worked hard. There was one game in Regina, I got a chance with James Hamblin (former Tigers captain), who played on the top line and just signing with the Edmonton Oilers. I got a chance with him and played with him in Regina, and thankfully I played well. I made a good play on (the goal to tie it  up late in the third. So I think that definitely kind of gave me the confidence and gave me the boost I needed to kind of propel into a more confident role on the teams.”

Like Hall, he credits his parents to where he has gotten to in his hockey career.

“I think my parents did a really great  job of supporting me and pushing me well,” said Hopwo.

Hopwo felt like he put in the work as well to make it to the major junior level and the help of his teammates.

“I think I’ve had amazing teammates throughout my career and teammates that helped me immensely,” he said.

Hopwo plans to go to Halifax for school.

Nolan played in 168 games split between Portland and Lethbridge and produced 39 points on the blueline.

“It’s kind of crazy looking back,” he said.

“The season’s pretty long. It goes by pretty fast at the same time — all way the back to getting drafted at 15-years-old and hoping you’d play in the league.  And then now being a 20-year-old and kind of saying good bye to everybody — looking back at all the friends you’ve met, all the people you’ve met and kind of all the life experiences you’ve kind of learned from you’re time being here.”

He also credits his parents for getting to the WHL and the time they put in, the support and making trips out.

“It was awesome,” he said, on his time in Lethbridge.

“I really like the smaller community of the City of Lethbridge. It’s nice being able to hang out with guys and not have to worry about so much traffic or driving miles and miles away to get to them. It’s been great.”