Whalers Sign Two Rookies

Two rookies: Defenceman Caleb Cruz (above, left) and winger Kaz Yamazaki impressed the Pod's coaches during the 2021 training camp.

LW Kaz Yamazaki, D Caleb Cruz round out 2021 roster

WHITE ROCK – In his first game as a Whaler, swift-skating rookie Kaz Yamazaki made a statement on the scoresheet with his first Junior ‘B’ point.

Yamazaki, a 17-year-old left-winger, assisted on White Rock’s first goal in a 2-1 pre-season victory over the Langley Trappers Aug. 25.

“I’m looking forward to play higher level hockey,” he said. After skating in the Pod’s identification camps for the past two years, Yamazaki’s hard work paid off when he was signed from Semiahmoo Midget A1

Kaz’s ‘youthful enthusiasm

“Kaz brings a desire to compete every night and has all the tools to be very successful,” Whalers assistant coach Julian Feijo commented.

Yamazaki’s tools include “speed, skill, and youthful enthusiasm,” Feijo added.

Now, Yamazaki wants to make the 2021-2022 season a memorable one by improving his skills and help the Whalers win a championship.

‘Elite skater’ joins Pod’s blue line

Meanwhile, White Rock also announced the acquisition of another 17-year-old rookie: Caleb Cruz, a defenceman from the Greater Vancouver Canadians U-18 program.

“I liked the pace and difficulty of the practices and I really like the coaching staff,” Cruz said during training camp.

A two-way defenceman, the agile Cruz said his main attribute is being able to quickly move the puck to join the rush.

Feijo agreed as he called Cruz an “elite skater” who can “walk the line incredibly well.”