GAME DAY: VICTORIA AT VANCOUVER 5 p.m. at Ladner Leisure Centre
If Western Hockey League opponents mess with any of Tim Traber's Victoria Royals teammates, they usually have to deal with the rugged forward.
But this is a prototype North American-type player with a European pedigree. Parents Romy and Roli Traber emigrated from Switzerland to a farm near Quesnel, where Traber grew up.
It is that connection that got the undrafted 19yearold an overseas workout over the summer with HC Ambri-Piotta of the top Swiss pro league.
That's a future option as Traber prepares for life after junior hockey, which could end following this season if he doesn't return next year as an over-age 20-year-old.
"This is an important season for me as the days are counting down in my junior career," said the six-foot-two winger, as the Royals prepared for tonight's pre-season game in Ladner against the Vancouver Giants and Saturday's matin脙漏e at 2 p.m. against the Giants at the Memorial Centre.
"What impressed me most by going against the pros over the summer is how much faster they are and how few mistakes they make."
Traber only had three goals and 12 points in 69 games for the Royals last season but that doesn't reflect his true value as a team leader.
"I had an 'A' [as assistant captain] on my jersey last season and I want to keep that by working hard every day and doing things right," he said.
His 141 penalty minutes last year, while not excessive, indicate a dogged willingness to do what needs to be done.
"Tim brings an intangible that a lot of players don't have in their game," said Royals head coach Dave Lowry. "If you want to be a good player, you have to compete every night."
Which is what Traber does.
