Bonnyville’s own Ashton Cumby didn’t stand in front of the Lakeland AA Panthers and talk about talent or luck — he talked about getting cut, putting in the work and refusing to quit.

Now a Chicago Blackhawks draft pick, Cumby returned home to share his story at the Panthers banquet in a “hot stove” style interview with BMHA Elite Director Terry Rupp — giving young players a real look at what it takes to make it.

From Lakeland roots to the WHL

Cumby’s hockey journey started like many others in the Lakeland — local rinks, early mornings and chasing a dream.

He worked his way through minor hockey, playing U15 before moving on to Lloydminster, where his game continued to develop. That progression led to a major milestone in 2020, when he was selected in the fourth round, 80th overall by the Winnipeg ICE in the WHL Draft.

But even then, nothing was guaranteed.

The ICE franchise eventually relocated, and Cumby’s WHL career continued through change, transition and competition — finishing this past season with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Over 256 WHL games, he recorded 36 points and 361 penalty minutes — numbers that reflect a player willing to do the hard, physical work and play whatever role his team needed.

Draft day with the Chicago Blackhawks

All of that work built toward a moment that came on June 28, 2025.

Cumby was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round, 162nd overall in the NHL Draft — a milestone that put him on the map at the next level.

“It was a really emotional day for me and my family,” Cumby said. “To see everything pay off… it was special.”

He described the day as surreal, especially since he wasn’t fully locked into the draft at the time.

“I wasn’t really paying attention early on,” he said. “I was just kind of going about my day… then I got the call.”

That call — the one every young hockey player dreams about — brought everything full circle.

“It’s not something you get to say every day, that you got drafted,” he said.

The part people don’t see

While the draft moment stands out, Cumby made it clear his journey was built long before that day.

He openly shared that he was cut multiple times growing up — including from AA — and even spent time playing Tier 3 hockey before climbing back up.

“I’ve been cut a bunch of times,” he said. “You just gotta get back up and go to work.”

Instead of letting those setbacks define him, Cumby used them as fuel — a message that hit home with players in the room.

That mindset, he said, is what separates those who keep moving forward from those who fall off the path.

What it really takes to get there

Cumby also spoke about what he’s seen at higher levels of the game — and the habits that define elite players.

“They don’t settle for good. They settle for great,” he said.

It’s not about showing up — it’s about how you show up. Every drill, every workout, every shift matters.

He emphasized that hard work isn’t optional — it’s expected.

“Work is free,” he said. “Anyone can do it. It’s just whether you choose to.”

Handling mistakes and pressure

At higher levels, mistakes happen faster — and the pressure is greater.

Cumby said learning how to mentally reset is critical.

“Put it in a box and throw it away,” he said. “It’s done. You can’t change it.”

That ability to move on, stay focused and keep pushing is what allows players to stay consistent and continue improving.

The sacrifices behind the success

Cumby didn’t gloss over what it takes outside the rink either.

He told players there are sacrifices — missing out on social events, time with friends and parts of a typical teenage life.

“You’re not always going to go to the parties or events,” he said. “You have to give some things up.”

But for him, it was always worth it.

Leading by example

Throughout the conversation, Cumby’s message wasn’t about being perfect — it was about being persistent.

He spoke about pushing himself in the offseason, staying consistent with training and making sure he was always trying to outwork the next player.

“Everyone else is working,” he said. “You’ve gotta do more.”

It’s that mindset — not just skill — that has carried him from Lakeland rinks to the NHL Draft.

Final message: Don’t quit

Before stepping away, Cumby left the next generation with a message that was simple, honest and earned through experience.

“Don’t ever give up on your dream,” he said. “I never thought I’d end up here… but here I am.”

Then, in a way only a hockey player can, he summed it up in one line:

“Give it hell — and keep going.”