Young Okotoks Olympian received an award from the town

During last Monday's (Feb 26th) town council meeting in Okotoks, council presented an Awesome Kid award to a local Olympian.

Last January, Okotoks Bow Mark Oilers goalie Carter Esler played for Team Canada at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon Province in South Korea.

At the council meeting on Monday, Esler was presented with the Awesome Kid award for his playing career and making it to the Youth Olympics.

During the town council meeting, Esler was asked about his time at the Olympics.

"It was a great experience," explained Esler. "Obviously never been to South Korea [before]. It was different, but it was fun getting to meet new people and making new friends and it was really fun."

Esler went on to explain that even though there was tough competition, team Canada still made it to a medal game.

"It was a tough tournament. There was a lot of good teams there. We ended up losing in semi-finals to the United States in a shoot-out and then losing again in the Bronze game to Finland."

Esler decided to become a goalie, because his father was also a goalie, and he wanted to be like him.

Councillor Ken Heemeryck mentioned during the award presentation that he has been aware of Esler's talents for a while now, because his son also plays hockey.

"I've known about you for a long time, that I am not surprised that you reached these heights, 'cause you're a pretty good goalie. And probably long way to go still. Who knows where you'll end up," said Councillor Heemeryck.

Last year, Elser was drafted into the WHL, signing a WHL Scholarship and Development agreement with the Spokane Chiefs.

He heads down to Spokane this summer, with the hopes of making the team next season, where he can play until he is 21.