When some hockey players get to a certain age they usually pack up their memories and leave their hometowns in search of bright lights and stardom in the NHL. However, there are many players that are proud of their small town background and that helps to keep them grounded. Jonathan Toews is one of those guys. He has a burgeoning career ahead of him but it all started in Winnipeg, Manitoba and even though “The Peg” has produced some current NHLers like teammate Cam Barker, Rangers prospect Nigel Dawes, and future Hall of Famer Ed Belfour to name a few, this kid is different. He has that special quality that only the great ones have.

“For anybody that lives in a small town that’s where a lot of hockey players come out of,” he said proudly.

Toews is like a bright light and when you talk to him you can feed off his energy and youthful exuberance. But when did it all start?

“I guess you probably have to ask my dad…probably three or four. I think it wasn’t until I was five or six until my dad built the backyard rink for my brother and I. It definitely helped us out working out and stuff. We have pictures of when I was really small and he built it a little bigger every year. We had pretty heated battles on there sometimes. Probably took it overboard sometimes but that’s the way it is.”

This obviously gave him a taste of the game and that’s when he started to get into organized hockey.

“I guess I started playing when I was five for the Dakota Lazers,” Toews said. “So five and six I played there and seven and eight I played for the Dakota Kings then after that I moved on to Mighty Mites in 88, 89, 90, 91 that kind of thing.”

Even though Winnipeg was known for its robust winters kids definitely enjoy it.

“I loved it then. Because I knew as cold as it was I could skate outdoors. Now it’s a different story. My dad doesn’t build the rink anymore because I’m not home. I didn’t mind the weather at home at all as opposed to my mom or my dad did,” said the proud Manitoban.

When the summer starts that’s when kids seem to really ramp it up and have a bit more fun.

“I guess in the summer good memories that we have was going to visit my family close to Quebec City,” he said with a smile.

Like any other kid in the area he had some hobbies and he knew where to have some fun locally as well.

“We find ways. Especially in the summer I play a lot of golf at St. Bonevists. I had memberships there for a few years with my buddies. We’d be out there all day. That’s how we spent a lot of our time growing up,” Toews remembered.

Like every young man a good upbringing can mean a great future and that thought isn’t lost on this intelligent 18-year-old.

“To be honest with you I had a lot of great experiences. Growing up in Winnipeg was definitely special and playing for the Photo Lazers, St Lopel Vics and Winnipeg Warriors was awesome. I always had great coaches and teammates and we won the city championship almost every year. Obviously it’s contributed to how far I’ve come up now.”

To make the jump from high school hockey to the college ranks is tough. The speed is greater and most players have to get a lot stronger to play on that level.

“It was really tuff as a 17-year-old stepping in coming from high school hockey last year,” he said.

Toews was a long shot to make Team Canada for the under 20’s last season. The competition was fierce and it proved to be a great learning experience for the budding forward.

“I mean it was an unbelievable experience to be at the camp and be selected,” said the proud Canadian. “I definitely learned how to deal with pressure in all sorts of situations and after that I went back and played with a lot of confidence and played pretty well in the second half of the season.”

Getting drafted by the Blackhawks was the perfect team to draft Toews. There are a lot of young players in the organization and that means they can all grow together.

“First of all I know a lot of guys that are up and coming players on that hockey club and Chicago is not too far from my hometown of Winnipeg. I am thrilled to be playing for the Chicago Blackhawks for that reason,” he said shortly after he was selected third overall.

Right now he has to still dream about playing in the NHL. He will surely get a chance to experience some ice time in Chicago but he knows there is some work to be done before he gets called up.

“You always believe in yourself and what you are capable of doing. I think obviously I think positively that way. I think at the end of the summer I will be bigger and stronger,” said with determination. “I think until I am ready to play I have a great place to play, coaches and teammates in North Dakota. I am looking forward to going back there so we will see what happens.”

And what was his biggest thrill this past few weeks. Getting drafted, maybe but this memory is a close second for sure.

”You grew up watching Hockey Night in Canada and it was definitely special meeting Don Cherry and Ron McLean a couple of weekend’s ago.”

Winnipeg is in his blood and he will never forget his roots.

“It’s still a home to me. I will always remember where I come from. I think that’s just the key to staying well grounded. No matter how much success you’ve had. I think I’ll definitely be coming back no matter where I live,” he said with conviction.