Kayne Van Metre '24 Recruiting Profile

I'm Kayne Van Metre, a 2024 high-school graduate, who plays defence as a right-handed shot. This is my 14th year playing hockey, and I have been able to play at many different levels and experience playing both forward and defence positions. In the early years of my hockey career I played as a forward, and it wasn't until my second year of U13 that I was asked by a coach of mine, (Wade Klippenstein - Now Director of amateur scouting, Colorado Avalanche) to take a new look at the game and play as a defenseman for his team that year. That year I was able to learn a new perspective of the game and grow myself defensively, and use my offensive skills to be a threat in the offensive zone. Not only that but I was able to make the Alberta Peewee Prospects Cup, as a first year defenseman. In the following year I was able to keep improving my defensive skills, and see myself as an asset on the breakout to make a strong first pass. In my last year of U15 I was asked by my coach Scott Cunnigham (2 time Canadian National Junior A Championship Winning Coach) to play as a forward for his team as he needed scoring I was now put in a situation to be able to use everything I learned as a defenceman, and my prior knowledge and skills as a forward all together and play as a 2-way forward as an asset in the d-zone, and a threat in the o-zone. I am now playing Junior A hockey in the MJHL for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines  

I am a quick, up ice defenseman with an offensive edge. I rely on my skill to allow me to get the puck up ice and create offence. I play the game with a chip on my shoulder with the high risk high reward mindset. As a former centerman, I know how important the first pass is to break out clean with speed and attack the offensive zone. In the offensive zone I'm able to create scoring opportunities by quickly walking the line, and using my accurate quick release from the point. I have an exceptional amount of versatility as a player as growing up I have been able to play both forward and defence positions. I'm an agile, mentally strong player that can be put in the toughest, high pressure situations. I am a strong balanced skater who is strong on his edges, and uses my powerful stride to my advantage on all areas of the ice.

My goal is to play NCAA hockey for a top competing division one school. From moving away from home at a fairly young age, I have been able to balance school and hockey. I have been able to maintain a 95% and above and all my classes while also being an asset for my team on the ice. Not only that but I have been able to maintain my personal well-being as I have to battle through the adversity of an uncommon intestinal disease called colitis. This has sent me back a few times in my journey, but it has also given me a different perspective on many different things. Being away from home at such a young age has made me mature into the person I am today. I have had to learn to maintain my priorities while keeping myself in check. I think with my experience early on at a sports school that I would be able to fit in well at the collegiate level of sports schools, and create myself as a liability on and off the ice.