By Dave Leaderhouse
WEYBURN’S PARKER A MASSIVELY COMPLETE PACKAGE READY TO SOAR ON TO POST-SECONDARY FUTURE
Ian Parker is hoping to be the big man on campus some day.
The 6-foot-9, 234-pound centre for the Weyburn Red Wings is winding down his junior career, but securing a post-secondary opportunity is something he really hopes comes to fruition.
“I’ve had some contact from schools, but I’m very interested in pursuing a post-secondary education,” admits Parker, a 20-year-old who was born in Florence, Kentucky, but now has Saskatoon listed as his hometown. “I would like to study either business or psychology; I’m not sure just yet.”
The hulking Parker is in his third full year with the Red Wings and has already matched his career high in points, having scored more goals than ever before and closing in on his best assist total. Through 43 games this year, Parker has already amassed 28 points on 14 goals and 14 helpers while prior to that his best output was last season when he registered 11-17-28 totals in 58 games.
“Points don’t always tell how good of a player you are,” says Parker. “I’m more of a shutdown guy who always puts in his best effort.”
Weyburn head coach Wes Rudy echoes those attributes.
“He brings size and a stellar work ethic to the rink every day,” says Rudy. “He has developed so much in his two-and-a-half years in Weyburn.”
“He is our most consistent player – by far – and he brings a professional attitude to the team for every game,” added Rudy.
Prior to joining the Red Wings as an 18-year-old, Parker played one season with the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League’s Saskatoon Contacts. His 17 points that season were nearly matched in his rookie campaign with the Red Wings when he had 15 points on six goals and nine assists, but one thing that stands out is that he is ready to go each and every night having missed just two junior games in his career in Weyburn with the last being almost two years ago on Feb. 21, 2015.
Away from the ice, Parker is involved in the community as much as possible helping out with numerous events.
“It’s nice to see how much influence you have on a person,” says Parker in reference to being around young fans. “I guess it shows some leadership skills, for sure.”
While his post-Weyburn future is still unclear, Parker is focused on helping the Red Wings take another step towards a Canalta Cup championship. Last year he was a big part of the club that captured the Viterra Division banner and while there is some work for them to repeat that this year (Estevan is 12 points ahead entering this weekend’s action) the Red Wings will most certainly be a threat when the playoffs arrive.
With a career-best in point production certain to be set, plus an attractive 1810 SAT score on the academic side, Parker has done everything he can to get noticed. With several more months of junior hockey the package could be even more attractive.
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