It's not all too often that the RINK Winnipeg hosts multiple import players from Ontario on the same team. But two players from the same city in Ontario? That's even rarer. That's exactly the case of Graeme Tenhunen and Jake Ritson — two of Thunder Bay's finest young hockey players.

Both are from the same town of a little over 100,000 residents. They are both listed at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds. They've played together for years and now find themselves suiting up for their second season in the not-so-familiar black, red, white and blue RINK sweaters.

Settling In, Year Two

"So, especially last year, it was my first year getting here, I didn't really know any guys other than me and Graeme, so we were obviously closer together for that first year," Ritson told Game On. "But going into the second half of last year and even now this year, I've definitely expanded a little bit. In our second year here now I'm way more comfortable with all the guys and starting to come together a little more."

For Tenhunen, the move to Winnipeg was solely program-based. He fell in love with the facility and the people inside it.

"I decided to play at RINK because I thought they had a really, really good program," Tenhunen shared. "It's a place where I felt I could really further my development and my hockey skills at a high level. They have an exceptional facility, really good trainers and all that stuff. The facilities were truly the first main thing that kind of shocked me, especially compared to Thunder Bay."

It's About the People

Ritson, too, enjoys his new physical surroundings, but for him, it's more about the people that he's with every day that have made the biggest difference as an out-of-towner.

"Everything has actually been incredible over the past two seasons now, whether that's in the gym, on the ice, at school, everything has been surreal," he said. "I get asked a lot about what the RINK is like by lots of my buddies and family back home. I just try to tell them how unreal it is going to the RINK in the morning, getting to workout with the boys in the gym, skating, team bonding, a little boardroom session, whatever it is, and then we go to school all together. Everyone there is always pushing you to the next level, in school, on the ice, in the gym. Friends, coaches, trainers... there are some great people who are really results-driven."

The Coach's View

In terms of Ritson and Tenhunen's on-ice production, their coach Rob Smith says his two Thunder Bay products have really fit into the new U18 system since making the jump from the U15 squad last year.

"Both families know each other and came over to the RINK last year to play for Brad Purdie and the U15 prep team," Coach Smith told Game On. "After last season, we considered both of them to be ready to play the U18 level this year and they were both moved up, which isn't always the case for all players. It has been a really good fit for both of them, still as 15-year-olds too."

"Jake is very intellectual and really understands the game," Smith explained. "He has a very high offensive ability. He makes plays, has good poise with the puck. He sees the ice very, very well, while moving and handling the puck at a high level. He's got a lot of things going for him in terms of a really good base skill. And Graeme, he's our prototypical two-way defenceman. He's very simplistic with his game. He's not going to wow you with his flashy moves, but he makes a lot of smart plays and does the little things right. His assets are his ability to move and move the puck, as well as reading plays and anticipating them before they happen."

Room to Grow

As players within the youngest age bracket in the league, Smith has seen both Ritson and Tenhunen focus on strength-building while honing their craft in the gym — something he appreciates that they have recognized.

"They are a couple guys who could definitely benefit from just a little bit of growth, a bit more strength and explosiveness. That sort of thing would really go a long way for them. There is still lots to learn for both of them, but they have the right mindset and attitudes to progress in the right direction. That's the first step to becoming a better hockey player."

The two former South End Rangers studs have certainly left an impression on their new coach, but the program and growth experienced already in just one-and-a-half years has made the experience a worthwhile one for the two.

Eyes on the Next Level

"Hockey is my main goal," Tenhunen said. "I would love to get drafted and play in the WHL, but I am open to continue playing hockey anywhere. It's always been a goal of mine since I was a little kid. As I've developed it has remained in the back of my mind; that's where I want to be next. And because of what I've learned and been able to develop here at the RINK, that dream is still possible."