WHSHL Top Ten: Tucker Forbes heads to Weber State

Tucker Forbes of Glenboro was recently named one of Westman High School Hockey League’s Top Ten players for the season. When asked how old he was when he started playing sports, he quickly replied, “I don’t remember sports not being a part of my life.” The first sport he remembers playing was hockey.

Growing up with a backyard rink flooded nightly by his dad, Corey Forbes, skates and sticks were simply part of life, but they weren’t the only part. While many young athletes choose to focus on a single sport, Tucker never felt the need. Hockey, baseball, volleyball, basketball; he plays them all, often moving seamlessly from one game to the next.

Rather than focusing strictly on physical development, Forbes believes each sport has taught him something valuable, especially when it comes to handling pressure, reading situations, and staying composed when the stakes are highest. Whether he is stepping onto the volleyball or basketball court, the baseball diamond, or leading the Glenboro/Carberry/Baldur Wildcats onto the ice, Tucker remains calm and steady, an approach he has mastered and rarely deviates from.

“I just kind of go with the flow,” he smiles. “What happens, happens.”

It is a mindset that has served him well, especially this past season after suffering an AC joint injury in the first period of the season opener. The shoulder injury sidelined him for nearly a month, forcing him to watch on the sidelines as his teammates battled through a difficult start. It was a frustrating way to begin his final year of high school hockey, but his mindset carried him through.

Whether that calm approach comes naturally or was learned over time, Tucker points to his father as one of the biggest influences in both his hockey career and personal development.

“He coached me for the past three years and he’s been with me all the way — right from the rink in our backyard,” Tucker said. “The AAA coaches were tough, just as tough as my dad, but also in a positive work ethic way.”

While his father helped shape his discipline and approach to the game, his mother has remained one of his biggest supporters off the ice. Beyond the loud cheers from the stands, Tucker credits her with teaching him the importance of properly fueling his body as an athlete.

“Yes, she’s also feeding me good food and protein shakes,” he laughed. “Teaching me the proper way to fuel.”

His resilience is not only athletic; It is mental as well. Rather than allowing the injury to define his season, he committed himself to rest and rehabilitation and returned determined to make a positive impact.

During one of his first games back, Tucker tweaked his shoulder again. “Luckily that happened right before Christmas break so I had time to tape, ice and rest it.”

As team captain, Forbes chooses to lead through actions rather than words.

“I’d rather lead by example,” he said. “I don’t really like yelling at people. I don’t like that style of leadership.”

Once Tucker returned to the lineup, the Wildcats gradually regained their momentum. The team went on a dramatic turnaround, becoming one of the hottest teams in the league and winning 13 straight games to secure a playoff spot.

From the blue line, Forbes became one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. Known for his speed and ability to join the rush, he combines offensive instincts with strong defensive awareness, making him one of the most complete players in the league.

He finished the season with 24 goals and 47 points, leading all league defencemen in scoring and earning Westman High School Hockey League MVP honours. His strong season also earned him an opportunity to suit up with the U18 AAA Southwest Cougars, where he showed he could compete comfortably at a higher level.

But when asked what he is most proud of in his career, Tucker never mentioned any of the MVP titles he has won in every sport he has played.

Instead, he spoke about winning championships alongside the teammates he has grown up with.

“That’s what I’ll remember most,” he said. “Winning with the guys I’ve played with my whole life.”

Now, as his high school graduation approaches, Tucker is preparing for a new chapter after being accepted into a four-year Mechanical Engineering program and earning a spot on the university’s Wildcats hockey team. Joining him there will be fellow Glenboro product Griffin Anderson, giving Tucker a familiar connection as he transitions from the prairie horizons of home to a new landscape framed by the Wasatch Mountains and city skylines. Though the scenery around him may change, the mindset that has guided him throughout his journey will remain the same.

Stay calm. Work hard, on and off the ice. Lead by example.

It’s a formula that has served Tucker Forbes well and there is no reason to think it won’t continue.

PHOTO CAPTION: Tucker Forbes played High School hockey, baseball, volleyball and basketball, but it is hockey that is his favourite sport and what is earning him a spot with the Weber State Wildcats.