The Abbotsford News from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada • 12

A12 The Abbotsford Mission News Saturday. January 26. 2008 Former Pilot ranked 103rd in North America by Central Scouting by GARY AHUJA Black Press IT HAS always taken a bit of pressure to convince Derek Grant that he has what it takes to belong at the next level. After he missed most of his first season at the major midget level with a broken arm, Grant was reluctant to try out for his hometown hockey team, -the junior Abbotsford Pilots. He figured another season at the major midg-j'et level might be better as Jie developed physically.

After some coaxing from the coaching staff to come out to training camp, Grant ended not only making the team, but also leading the Pilots in scoring with 31 goals and 20 assists in 47 games. Last summer, the junior A Langley Chiefs convinced him to come out to their camp. The result? The 17-year-old sits second on the team in scoring with 21 goals and 30 assists. Those numbers also place him for the next phase in his hockey career. You realize that you have to keep working to keep your name on there, Grant said.

Being on the list is only a little step. Grant anticipates coming back for another season with the Chiefs which would be the first time in the past four years he has not joined a new club to bulk up his lanky six-foot-three, 190-pound frame and work on his game. The goal is to secure a university scholarship to a U.S. school. He has already gone to visit a couple of schools that are interested in him, including a recruiting trip over the weekend.

One thing remains constant for Grant: he remains humble in explaining his success. I have had good line-mates, he said. In Abbotsford, it was Kevin Hanna and Kurt Cowden. See 'GRANT on pageA16 sixth in the entire league in rookie scoring. Thats not all for Grant, however.

On Wednesday, the Abbotsford native suited up for the Coastal Conference in the BCHL all-star game. But the icing on the cake just might come in June. Grant finds himself ranked 103rd out of all of the North American skaters eligible for the NHL entry draft. This is according to a report released earlier this month from the NHLs Central Scouting Bureau, which sends out updated lists throughout the hockey season. In the 2007 draft, 44 players from outside of North America were selected out of the 211 players chosen in the seven rounds, so a little bit of speculation would then peg Grant as a potential third- to fifth-round NHL pick.

Even though he may hear his name called this June in Ottawa does not mean Grant is ready JOHN MORROW File photo Abbotsfords Derek Grant, a former Abbotsford Pilot and current Langley Chief, could be moving on to the NHL in the near future. Grant is ranked 103rd in North America according to Central Scouting. Abbotsford News CsHfviieo' Hi, my name is Ezra. I attend Abbotsford Middle School and have been delivering The Abbotsford News for 5 months now. In my spare time I enjoy playing on the computer.

I really like video games, reading and sports. To be part of our newspaper delivery team: Call 604-870-4595 Sponsored by Tffi MBOTSMJNEWS Power line tree pruning and hazard tree removals In your neighbourhood When January March 2008 Where Yarrow Paper Boys Girls Wanted Mom and Dad, here is a chance for yourson or daughterto develop skills fortheirfuture. A paper route is an excellent first job. It can help your child build characters develop a strong work ethic while gaining a better understanding of the expectations of the working world. Best of all, we try hard to match your child to a route that is part of your neighbourhood The routes are convenient and the work is consistent It's a great way to stay connected to your community, one door at a time.

Call 604.870.4595 today for more information! Were looking for carriers in your area to deliver the Tuesday, Thursday Saturday editions of The Abbotsford News THE ABBOTSFORD NEWS MISSION RECORD oaaf ret Trees are a significant cause of power interruptions Contact between trees and power lines can also create a severe danger Over the next few months we will be pruning trees in the Yarrow area Trees are pruned using the best arboriculture (tree care) practices Skilled workers employed by BC Hydro are trained in both electrical safety and tree care Only correct and proper techniques are used to eliminate any safety hazards For more information about our current work or other vegetation management practices, please call Derek Brown, your area coordinator of Vegetation Maintenance, at 604 854-8463 www bchydro com BG hydro C3 FOR GENERATIONS Don't Have To. TrainBus now works on Weekends. So You INTRODUCING WEEKEND NOW YOU CAN RELY ON US 7 DAYS A WEEK TRAINBUS SERVICE As of January 5th you now have a more comfortable and convenient option for getting to and from Vancouver on the weekends Thats because West Coast Express has expanded its schedule to include weekend TrainBus service. So whether its for a special event or a simple visit, you can rely on TrainBus to get you into the city and back -without having to deal with traffic or paying downtown parking rates. Want to know more 7 Give us a call at 604 488 8996 or visit westcoastexpress com i I WES CO AS rE PR 7 7 a more comfortable.

Convenient Commute tin flM Bn TvNii ii fcgfnr IT" tr iinmi flln fMiiNuiii.irr T'.