Player Rep Spotlight: Colton Kehler (Idaho Steelheads)

Colton Kehler is the PHPA Player Representative for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. Kehler played three seasons of Junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and went on to play for the University of British Columbia for two seasons. In 2020, he turned pro and played in Germany for a season prior to signing with the Idaho Steelheads. Kehler is entering his third ECHL season with the Steelheads.

How / why did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

My rookie season in Idaho I volunteered to be an Alternate Rep.  The following year when our previous rep went to Europe, I was excited to take on that leadership role. A lot of what I do is answer the guys’ questions regarding the CBA and our benefits package. As a new rep I spent a bit of time trying to familiarize myself with the union and the programs they offer, and what is required of our guys’ so I could be a good resource for the team. 

What’s your favorite memory from your Junior career with the Edmonton Oil Kings?

We shared the arena with the Edmonton Oilers, so being able to play in front of NHL crowds while playing junior hockey was such a privilege.  Sharing the halls with pro players, watching them practice every day, and seeing how they conducted their business are memories that stick out to me. 

How did you enjoy your time at the University of British Columbia as a student athlete and what was your major / area of study?

I loved my two years at UBC. Playing close to home and having family be able to come to games regularly was awesome. The student athlete lifestyle was a struggle for me personally, which ultimately led to me leaving for pro after just two seasons. Although, I’d like to start chipping away at my Psychology degree again soon here.

In 2020, you turned pro and played a year in Germany.  Did you find it difficult to adjust to the culture, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?  What did you enjoy most about that experience?

It was a pretty easy transition for me to be honest. The hardest part was probably learning how to drive a stick shift. We had an older team over there, so I had a few of the older guys helping me out with the off-ice stuff. I think having a place to play that year is what I was most grateful for. There were a lot of good players who had no choice but to sit out for the year, and I think that would’ve been pretty devastating for me at the time, so I just tried to make the most of it. 

How would you describe your game? What would you say is your most valuable skill/quality?

I’d say my game is pretty simple. I like to finish my checks, block shots and be around the net. Those parts of the game just take some willingness and not much skill so that’s how I try to complement our team’s high-end scoring. I like to think being positive and focusing on what’s controllable has some value on the bench and in the room. I try to be one of those voices when needed. 

What is your favourite thing to do on a day/night off in Boise?

I like to lay low during our off days. I’ll probably catch up on some things around the house or grocery shop, maybe head over to the hot tub or the gym for some recovery. 

Who was the funniest teammate on the Idaho Steelheads last season?

We had a cast full of characters last year, a lot of guys were funny in their way. Adam Scheel sticks out to me, we sat next to each other in the room. He could dish for some sharp one liners and gave some pretty funny post game speeches. 

It was noticed on your social media that that you have a dog named Alfie.  What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being a dog owner? What is the hardest?

I think just doing things outside together, it’s where he’s happiest. He loves playing fetch and swimming, it’s pretty cool seeing his natural instincts take over and figure those kinds of things out. Potty training was hard, we would be up 2-3 times a night for a couple weeks. Then I’d get home from practice, and he’d still have an accident or two, that would test your patience for sure.

What was your favourite thing that you did this summer?

I took a couple trips. My girlfriend and I went to Vancouver Island for a weekend, it’s nice to be able to explore with her. A couple of my buddies and I spend a week in the Okanagan (Summerland, BC) every summer, helping out with a hockey school. That’s always a good time, it kind of turns into a golf trip as well. 

Do you enjoy reading? What’s the last book you read?

I enjoy reading. I don’t do it as often as I should, but if I do it’s usually an autobiography or philosophy. I really enjoyed Burke’s Law: A Life in Hockey. Brian Burke is such an asset to hockey in my eyes, so it was a really good read. 

Do you work in the summer? 

I work as a skills coach in the summer at a place called Atomic Hockey in BC. We have a skating treadmill and 1600 sq ft shooting and skills area, all on synthetic ice. It’s been a unique opportunity to be able to give back to the kids and the game a little, as well as be able to key in on some details of my game.