The 2021-22 BCHL season isn’t set to begin until September but the Wenatchee Wild are in full preparation mode to hit the next season in full stride. A huge part of the process is building the roster, which took another positive step forward as the Wild have reached an agreement with defenseman Wes Turner to join Wenatchee in the coming season.

Wenatchee Wild GM Bliss Littler: “Wes spent about a month with the Wild this fall before we were shut down. During that time he showed that he has a lot of offensive ability. We feel Wes has a chance to be a high-end power play defenseman in college hockey. We look forward to helping in his development over the next couple of years.”

Turner hails from Granite Bay, CA and follows the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. One Sharks blueliner in particular has caught his attention. “I try to emulate Erik Karlsson as a puck moving defenseman.” Turner checks in at 5’8″ 178 lbs. and has established himself as a solid two-way player.

Wild Associate Head Coach Leigh Mendelson: “Wes has spent the past few seasons in New England at the Groton School, where we first saw him in the 2018 season. His best attributes are his mobility and his competitiveness. Wes participated in our tryout Camp in Las Vegas as well as our 7 week extended preseason program here in the fall. Wes has a very active game; his mobility allows him to be effective joining the attack, as well as defending the rush. We see him as a player who will play in all situations for us and are excited about his future in Wenatchee and the NCAA.”

Hockey isn’t a family tradition for Turner, but he did start skating at the age of 4. Ten years later, he moved across the country to pursue his hockey dreams. “I first moved away when I was 14 to play at a junior boarding school called Cardigan Mountain School in New Hampshire.” The adjustment to leaving home proved to be manageable. “The boarding school environment made it easy to make friends and feel comfortable.” The last two seasons he’s played at Groton School, just under an hour northwest of Boston in Massachusetts.

Turner’s taste of Wenatchee this fall has him excited about continuing in the coming year. “I look forward to the junior hockey experience and developing my game.  I had the opportunity to join the Wild for a few weeks this past season and was impressed by the organization.”

Wild Head Coach Chris Clark: “Wes came to our camps last summer and really did a nice job. He was also able to skate with us during our extended preseason and showed that he is ready to make the jump to junior hockey. He has really good offensive instincts that fit well with our style of play. We look forward to having Wes join the Wild next season.”

Turner has a defined set of goals down the line. “My long range hockey goals are to play D1 and NHL. I want to study science in college and eventually join the medical field.” One of his acquired skills will serve him well in that pursuit, as he has developed a proficiency in translating Latin. In addition to hockey, he’s played lacrosse at Groton School and has recently taken up golf.