BUFFALO | The most important thing is not where we come from, but where we are going. At least that's a perception that applies perfectly to Canadian prospect Conor Geekie.

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Geekie has stood out in the last two seasons with the Winnipeg Ice, so much so that he is now ranked fifth prospect among North American skaters.

Many years ago, it was in the middle of nowhere that he must have started to make a name for himself.

In Strathclair, Manitoba, a small town of 700 souls according to the 2016 census, it was hard to guess that one day a young man from the place would knock on the doors of the NHL.

“We had the key to the arena because my dad took care of it and he was a board member. I would tell you that it was not the most beautiful arena. There's probably cattle in there as we speak! I think it just made me better, more creative,” said the author of 70 points in 63 games in Winnipeg last season.

Humble beginnings

Some players like the idea of ​​talking about their humble beginnings in the sport. However, it is difficult to start from further than Geekie, who has already been part of a team of 10 players, seven girls and three boys, in his village.

This never stopped him from moving up the ranks in Hockey Manitoba's high performance program.

“Coming from a small town, you don’t get as much visibility. I had to work a lot to get noticed. It has always been a source of motivation,” he said.

Faithful accomplices

In recent years, the American development program has attracted a lot of attention by developing several players who heard their name early in the first round of the draft.

This year, Geekie appreciates the fact that Winnipeg is something of a hotbed, with Matthew Savoie ranked just ahead of him at number four by Central Scouting.

“We experienced a great internal competition. It's exciting to be there together at the same time," he said.