Seth Fryer wants to be the writer of literal tall tales on Blanshard Street. He might just get his chance. The 16-year-old hometown defenceman, six-foot-six-and-a-half and still growing, was among six prospects signed by the Victoria Royals as the Western Hockey League exhibition season opened Saturday.
“It would be absolutely wonderful to play in the WHL in my hometown,” said Fryer.
Fryer began playing in the Juan de Fuca Minor Hockey Association and graduated to the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy, out of which he was plucked in the 10th round of the 2001 WHL prospects draft by the Royals.
He had a goal and 17 points in 36 games last season with the Under-16 Prep Pacific Coast Academy squad.
“I have a big body and play well positionally and I also have a good offensive upside,” said Fryer.
He is also a standout in lacrosse, helping lead his Juan de Fuca team to the B.C. Midget championship. But it is on the ice, not the floor, that is his main objective in sports.
“I love lacrosse, golf and fishing, but hockey was always my main goal,” he said.
With the Royals returning all their blueliners from last season, Fryer will play this season in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League with the Peninsula Panthers, where he will join his 19-year-old brother Reid Fryer.
“Seth Fryer is still growing and could get to six-eight or six-nine and is a pro prospect in the Zdeno Chara mould,” said Panthers general manager Pete Zubersky.
The Royals might have a 10th-round draft steal on their hands for the future.
“Certainly, Seth is noticeable on the ice with his reach and athleticism,” Royals general-manager and head coach Dan Price said in a statement.
“But it’s what he does with his tools that is most important. He works hard at his game and is highly coachable.
“He plays the game with awareness, intelligence and competitiveness. He contributes on both sides of the puck.”
Also signed as prospects by the Royals, following training camp, are forwards Deegan Kinniburgh, Caleb Matthews, Dylan Ruff, Ethan Watkins and defenceman Jerrett Ross. Each team is allowed 50 players to be signed to WHL standard player agreements.
The hopefuls will get a chance to state their case during the WHL exhibition season, which began for the Royals with a late-finishing game Saturday night against the Prince George Cougars at Jon Baillie Arena in Port Coquitlam and continues today against the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre.
The Royals conclude the pre-season Tuesday against the Rockets at Prospera Place in Kelowna and Wednesday at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops against the Blazers.
The WHL regular-season openers for Victoria are on Sept. 23-24 at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre against the Spokane Chiefs.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
