Roersma experiencing personal and team success with Wheat Kings

By Lethbridge Herald on March 20, 2024.

Scramble Studio PHoto Rylen Roersma is pictured in action during a game earlier this season against the Red Deer Rebels.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge’s  Rylen Roersma is nearing the end of his third full season with the Brandon Wheat Kings and has seen some personal and team success.

“My season’s been pretty good so far,” said Roersma.

“I thought this year as a team we’ve really been pretty tight collectively and have had some team success for sure. Obviously missed the playoffs last year but now we’ve clinched a spot. So I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Roersma’s point totals have improved with each year in the league and set a new career high with 57 points this season.

“It’s just a matter of having the confidence to play to the best of your ability all the time, and having those opportunities and I just found a good spot here in Brandon and I’m very happy with it,” said Roersma.

Roersma has become more of a leader this year compared to prior years.

“I’ve kind of adopted a more offensive role than I have in previous years which I’ve  enjoyed a lot, and also still taking care of the defensive zone, penalty killing and that kind of stuff,” said Roersma.

Roersma will be experiencing his second playoffs this season after suiting up in the six games the team skated in the 2022 postseason.

“It’s completely different than any other hockey that you play, especially like regular season hockey,” said Roersma.

“Just everybody’s game is elevated and the intensity of both the fans and the players, and the coaches, and staff and everything is all elevated. So it’s an awesome atmosphere and  I miss that feeling and I’m really excited to get that feeling back here coming up.”

His time in Brandon has been awesome.

“It’s a pretty small community, smaller than obviously Lethbridge is, so it’s a pretty unique experience,” he said.

 “Everybody kind of knows who you are and you don’t get that always even in Lethbridge. So yeah it’s been awesome. The fans are great ,and I love the organization and yeah it’s been a blast.”

A highlight for him so far was the playoffs in 2022.

“It’s really special (for) any player that plays in the league just to get that playoff experience and that’s been one of the biggest memories for myself,” said Roersma.

Roersma credits many coaches and staff from Lethbridge that has gotten him to the Western Hockey League.

“If I had to pick some certain people, I’d have to say my parents,” he said.

“They dedicated so much time and money into my game, and into the sport I love ,and it’s paid off and I can’t thank them enough for it.”

Roersma has 19 goals and 38 assists in 62 games this season with the Wheat Kings.

He plans to return for his overage season next year.

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