When Grand Forks Border Bruins head coach-general manager Dave Hnatiuk recruited Austin Tellefson from the Edmonton Jr. Oilers U18AAA program, he knew he was getting an offensively gifted player.
“I don’t know if you ever expect a guy to almost have a goal a game in his rookie year,” says Hnatiuk.
Tellefson leads all Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) rookies with 14 goals and is tied for the rookie scoring lead with 21 points. Hnatiuk says the 5-9, 170-pound forward is off to a great start and continues to develop.
“It’s a bit of an adjustment at the start, but he’s adapted well,” says Hnatiuk. “He’s working hard each and every day, and he’s getting rewarded for it. When any of your recruits do well, it’s great to see. Austin is doing everything I expected and more.”
Tellefson credits his strong start to the chemistry he’s found throughout the lineup.
“I’m playing well and producing on every line I’m on,” he says. “The biggest adjustment has been that the league is bigger and stronger compared to the Alberta Elite Hockey League, so you have to be more aware on the ice.”
Hnatiuk noted that defensive play is often the toughest area for young players to adjust to—especially for centremen.
“The workload of a centreman in the defensive zone is a little different than a winger,” he notes. “There are still lots of parts of the game we’re all trying to execute a little better, but his play away from the puck is improving every night. We’re happy with Austin’s progress for sure.”
That improvement has come from consistent effort in both practices and skills sessions.
“Those are the guys who end up having success,” says Hnatiuk, who recently earned his 100th career KIJHL win. “We’re lucky—pretty much our whole team is out there putting in the work.”
Tellefson says the coaching staff has pushed him in all the right ways.
“The staff here is amazing. They’re showing me new ways to play the game and different systems to help the team have success,” he says.
The Edmonton product wants to get quicker at making plays under pressure as he continues to help drive the Border Bruins’ offence. He has already delivered two game-winners and leads all rookies with six power-play goals. The Border Bruins own the fourth-best power play in the KIJHL, clicking at 30.8 per cent (24-for-78).
Related News: A look at last week’s KIJHL Notebook
