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The father and son duo of the AAA Midget Wheat Kings

Wearing two hats – both coach and dad – happens all the time in minor hockey. Brad Wells, the head coach of the AAA Midget Wheat Kings is currently experiencing it first hand with his son, Taylor.

This is the third consecutive year for Brad as coach and Taylor as a player. Brad says they're respectful in terms of what is expected of each.

“He understands that when we come to the rink, I'm the coach, and at home, I'm the dad,” said Brad.

Brad says there are issues with being a coach and a parent.

“I think that sometimes it's difficult coaching your own son. I mean, there's times where you have to try and not deal with him as much and let the other coaches deal with him. Also, making sure to not give him any special treatment,” said Wells.

Taylor is on pace to have his best season with the team. Wells has 22 goals and 21 assists for 43 points in 33 games (as of Jan. 27).

“I think he's played very well so far,” said Brad. “I think that offensively, he's scoring more and defensively, he's playing solid.”

“I figured it's my last year of AAA midget so I thought I'd make the best of it,” said Taylor. “I'm just working my hardest and so far everything has been working out.”

Taylor is the captain and at 17 years of age, says this season is unlike no other as leadership as well as on-ice performance is a must if the AAA Wheat Kings – who are sitting in first place in their division (as of Jan. 27) – are to make noise come playoff time.

“I'm one of the oldest guys on the team so there's a role to play as far as leadership is concerned,” said Taylor. “I have to continue to be a leader for all the younger guys and help them out whenever possible.”

Wells is listed by the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and Brad says his son, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, has aspirations to play in the Western Hockey League after this season.

“I don't know if that'll happen,” said Brad. “Time will tell. He's gone to WHL camps before. Not a lot of guys make it as an 18-year old but there are a few. He's a guy that I think has developed a little later then some other guys have.”

“That would definitely be a goal but we'll see,” said Taylor. “I just want to play at the highest level possible.”

Brad, a former member of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings, says his son's skill level is better than his was during his playing days.

“I played a different game than he played,” said Brad. “When I played, the game was more physical and a harder game than his.

“His (Taylor's) ability to handle the puck and shoot the puck is very good and I think he does it better than I ever did.”

Asked if his son would beat him in a race on skates, Brad replied, “Oh yeah, definitely. Maybe not when I was in shape however.”

Meanwhile, Taylor was a little more confident in his ability to beat his dad.

“In today's world, I'd probably take him,” said Taylor with a grin.

Wells is currently sidelined with an injury and is out of action indefinitely.

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