The last three years are sure to be filled with cherished memories Morgan Magwood won’t soon forget.
“It’s been a lot of fun and it’s something that a lot of people don’t experience when it comes to moving away from home and living with a billet and making new connections,” said the 20-year-old hard-nosed blueliner, regarding his tenure with the Oil Caps.
Growing up on a farm near Killarney, Magwood says hockey was instilled in him at a young age – considering his two siblings have hockey in their blood as well. His sister Jaycee currently plays for the University of Regina Cougars, while his brother Colton spent time in the MJHL a few years ago.
“It was always a goal of mine to play junior hockey,” he said. “To be able to play in Westman, being close to home, that makes it more special. It’s a great atmosphere here. It’s a small town that I really enjoy.”
Magwood’s playing style isn’t for the faint-hearted as the 6-foot, 200 pound bruising defenceman has had well over 100 penalty minutes in each of this three full seasons in Virden.
“I do whatever I have to do to play and it’s always been a hard-nosed simple game,” said Magwood, nicknamed ‘Mags’ by his teammates. “It’s maybe not the prettiest style, but I try and do whatever I can to help the team have success.”
The defensive-minded blueliner has been in his fair share of fisticuffs since he arrived on the scene in Virden. He says fighting will always have a place in the game.
“I think it’s always going to be around hockey. It helps police the game,” he said. “Obviously it doesn’t happen a lot anymore but I think it’s a good thing to have in the game.”
Considered more laid back and easy going off the ice, Magwood enjoys hunting, fishing, baseball in the summer and spending time on the farm.
“Really enjoyed it (the farm) at a young age and still do,” Magwood said. “So I think that might be something I’ll be moving back into when I move home.”