2025-26 Manitoba Bisons/USports

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LINKS

U-SPORTS/CIS BOOKMARKS

League Sites:
USports Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links : Standings : Schedule/Results : U-Cup
Canada West Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links : Schedule/Results/Links : Hockey Tech Schedule & Stats
... sub-links : Archives and Records : Media Access : LeagueStat Monthly
OUA Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links: Schedule/Results/Links : LeagueStat Daily
AUS Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links : Schedule/Results - menu leads to all stats and standings
ACAC Mens Hockey Site
... sub-links : Schedule/Results : CCAA History
BCIHL Site
... sub-links : Schedule/Results
RSEQ - Hockey - Google Translate
... sub-links : Link Page : Schedule : Standings

Canada West Team Sites:
Alberta Golden Bears
Calgary Dinos
MacEwan Griffins
Manitoba Bisons
Mount Royal Cougars
Regina Cougars
Saskatchewan Huskies
Trinity Western Spartans
UBC Thunderbirds

AUS Team Sites:
Acadia Axemen
Dalhousie Tigers
Moncton Aigles Bleus - Google Translate
New Brunswick Reds
UPEI Panthers
St. Francis Xavier X-men
Saint Marys Huskies

...

 

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LINKS - 2

OUA-West Team Sites:
Brock Badgers
Guelph Gryphons
Lakehead Thunderwolves
Laurier Golden Hawks
Nipissing Lakers
Toronto Metropolitan Bold
Toronto Varsity Blues
Waterloo Warriors
Western Ontario Mustangs
Windsor Lancers

OUA-East Team Sites:
Carleton Ravens
Ontario Tech Ridgebacks
Ottawa Geegees
Queens Golden Gaels
RMC Palladins - Former Team Site
York Lions

RSEQ (OUA-East) Team Sites:
Concordia Stingers
McGill Redbirds
UQTR Patriotes - Google Translate

RSEQ (Division 2) Team Sites:
Concordia Stingers Division 2 (RSEQ) : (Elite Prospects)
ETS Piranhas - Google Translate : AAU
UQAC Inuk - Google Translate
UQO Torrents - (RSEQ)
Bishop's Gaiters (AAU)

...

 

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LINKS - 3


ACAC Team Sites:
Augustana Vikings
Briercrest Clippers
Concordia-Edmonton Thunder
NAIT Ooks
Portage Voyageurs
Red Deer Kings
SAIT Trojans

BCIHL Team Sites:
Logan Lake Miners
Okanagan Lakers
Simon Fraser Red Leafs
Vancouver Island Mariners
Victoria Vikings

OHT35
2024-25 OFFICIAL HOLLYWOOD TOP 35

Exhibition Schedule:
2025-26 EXHIBITION/NON-CONFERENCE/PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

Online video/audio:
CanadaWest.tv - YareTV link
OUA YareTV link
AUS YareTV link
UMFM.com - some Bison home games in prior years
USports Nationals - with archive

Stats:
Elite Prospects - USports Page - individual player stats on everybody
Internet Hockey Data Base (IHDB) : CWUAA Page - like Elite Prospects
USports/CIS Stats - 2009-10 to present
USports/CIS Schedule/Results - 2009-10 to present (no archive menu, must alter URL)
USports/CIS Standings - 2010 to present
USports/CIS Playoff Schedule/Results - 2013 to present (no archive menu, must alter URL)
AUS Archive (from 1986-87)
OUA LeagueStat (from 2007-08)
CW LeagueStat (from 2008-09)
Bob Adams Archives - CIS hockey from 1995-96 to 2008-09
Wikia/Fandom - U Sports
... sub-links : University Cup
Wikia/Fandom - CWUAA
... sub-links : GPAC : WIAA : WCIAU
Wikia/Fandom - OUA/OUAA
... sub-links : QUAA : OSLC : OIAA : QOAA : CIAU Central
Wikia/Fandom - AUS/AUAA/AIAA/MIAA
Wikia/Fandom - ACAC
Wikia/Fandom - BCIHL
Wikia/Fandom - North American Championship
Wikia/Fandom - Universiade
Atlantic Canadian Hockey History

Media Sites/Blogs:
TSN USports Page
SportsNet USports Page
ChrisD.ca
Hockey Blog in Canada (includes Manitoba)
The Manitoban (student paper)
Friends of McGill Hockey (McGill)
Ryerson Rams Hockey Alumni
AcadiaAxemenHockey.com
Independent Sports News
The Varsity (Toronto student paper)
Game On Magazine
Stadium Journey
Livesport
Flashscore
Huskie Fan (Saskatchewan fan site - with audio streams)

Recruiting/Transactions:
Elite Prospects - USports Transactions
USports Eligibility - Letters of Intent Page
USports LOI Registry

Past threads:
2022-23 Manitoba Bisons/CW
2023-24 Manitoba Bisons/CW
2023-24 Manitoba Bisons/CW

Note: The links for 2025-26 may not yet be active. The LeagueStat links have not yet been deleted in case they are reactivated.

 

[Hollywood2]

June 2, 2025: Two Recruits, Two Games

News around the CW is sparse, and nothing has been posted at GoBisons.ca. However, from other sources two recruits have been confirmed, and two exhibition games have been announced.


SAMUEL BORSCHOWA - D - Kamloops (WHL)

In a season where the WHL grads are moving en masse to the NCAA, the Bisons landed one for their blueline. This would have been item #1 on their off-season shopping list. Borschowa is a Saskatchewan boy, who started his WHL career with the Moose Jaw Warriors before being dealt to the Kamloops Blazers in 2023-24. He is not an offensive blueliner (2G, 8A, 10 Pts), which suits me just fine. Now they need a 6'3" 200+ lbs big farm boy from the MJHL and I'll be happier yet.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Samuel Borschowa Career Stats
➤ CHL.ca: 2024-25 Player Profile
➤ Discover Moose Jaw: McTaggart, SK product Sam Borschowa signs with the Warriors
➤ CJFC: Blazers trade for blueline depth, get Borschowa from Moose Jaw
➤ CHL.ca: BLAZERS ACQUIRE DEFENSEMAN SAM BORSCHOWA


MATTHEW KIEPER - G - Flin Flon (SJHL)

I was satisfied with the Bison goaltending last year, and both starters were eligible to return, but if one is not returning they landed a good recruit. Kieper is a Winnipeg boy who played in the WHL with the Regina Pats, Kamloops Blazers, and Swift Current Broncos. He landed in Flin Flon for his overage season and was named the SJHL MVP and Goaltender of the Year. His stats were impressive: 23-2-2, .935 S%, and 1.80 GAA. In the playoffs he went 6-3-3, .935 S%, and 1.89 GAA. In a season where USports teams are digging into the Junior A ranks, this would rank as a blue chip recruit.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Matthew Kieper Career Stats
➤ CHL.ca: 2024-25 Player Profile
➤ Regina Leader-Post: The Regina Pats' new goalie of the future looks like a Kieper
➤ CKOM: Pats trade goaltender Matthew Kieper to Blazers
➤ CFJC: Blazers deal G Kieper to Swift Current for draft picks
➤ CHL.ca: Broncos Acquire Kieper from Blazers
➤ Swift Current Online: Broncos wrapping up pre-season with Warriors
➤ SJHL.ca: Bombers acquire veteran goaltender Kieper
➤ Bombers.ca: Bombers Acquire Veteran Goaltender Matthew Kieper from Canmore Eagles
➤ Bombers.ca: Kieper Wins 2024-2025 SJHL MVP and Goaltender of the Year Awards
➤ Bombers.ca: A Salute To Our 20 Year Olds


EXHIBITION GAMES

After a one-year hiatus, the Bisons are back to face UND at The Ralph on the 1st weekend of October. And, for the 2nd year in a row, they are headed to Omaha for a holiday season game.

Sun Oct 5 Manitoba at North Dakota time TBA
Tue Dec 30 Manitoba at Omaha time TBA


GRIFFINS/GRYPHONS LOGOS

Both sets of Family Guys, or Mythical Mutants if you will, have new logos. Here they are:

Links:
➤ MacEwan: New era of MacEwan Athletics begins with bold reimagining of iconic Griffins logo
➤ Hockey Blog in Canada: A Sleeker Mythical Beast
➤ Hockey Blog in Canada: The Other Mythical Spelling

 

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June 5, 2025: Stories Around the CW

Although GoBisons.ca has not posted anything thus far, we have a trickle of stories from around the league.

The Evil Monkeys have 20 Alumni spread amongst different roles in the Greasers’ bid for a Stanley Cup. Included are the coach, Kris Knoblauch, and forwards Noah Philp and Derek Ryan. The complete list is in the link.

Links:
➤ Alberta: Plethora of U of A connections on display in 2025 Stanley Cup Final

In the Town of Bedrock, graduate defenceman Zach Wytinck has signed a professional contract to play with IF Troja-Ljungby in Sweden’s 2nd level league. Meanwhile, Arjun Atwal is a finalist for the 2025 Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award. He works generating hockey interest among South Asian youth. There is a link to vote for him in the story.

Links:
➤ Calgary: Wytinck signs pro contract in Sweden
➤ Calgary: Dinos alum Arjun Atwal a finalist for NHL's Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award

Like last year, the Family Guys are off to a jump in volume of posted stories. There is a heavy local Junior A flavour in their recruiting stories. Their only non-recruiting stoyr is the new logo story I already shared.

Links:
➤ MacEwan: Versatile Pontiacs forward Gauld set to bring strong two-way game to Griffins
➤ MacEwan: Griffins add AJHL record-breaking Wolverines goaltender Onyskiw, solidifying crease corps
➤ MacEwan: Eagles pipeline continues for Griffins with addition of strong two-way Canmore captain Dekowny
➤ MacEwan: Griffins add sandpaper and scoring with gritty Grande Prairie Storm forward Doherty

The departure of defenceman Clay Hanus is a big loss for the Bluegars. He was USports Player-of-the-Year. The CW version of Bobby Orr! In 28 games, he had 12 goals and 31 assists. Kalmar is also in Sweden’s 2nd tier league.

Links:
➤ Mount Royal: Clay Hanus signs with Kalmar Hockey Club following historic MRU career

The Banjo-Cats have a new orchestra leader, having lured Trevor Keeper from his post at Red Deer Poly in the ACAC. Maybe he can import some of the winning magic from RRP’s title reign. He replaces Todd Johnson, who coached for the last 12 years. They also have stories on four new recruits.

Links:
➤ Regina: Trevor Keeper named U of R men's hockey head coach
➤ Regina: Rylan Silzer commits to Cougars
➤ Regina: Brayden Barnett to join Cougars in 2025-26
➤ Regina: Jaron Desnoyers commits to U of R hockey
➤ Regina: Swan Valley captain Landen Gulutzan commits to Cougars

The Banjo-Mutts have some two-way traffic going on with the ECHL. Leaving the squad are goaltender Roddy Ross and defenceman Parker Gavlas. Arriving are goaltender Bryan Thompson and forward Conner Roulette. This is quite an unusual off-season thus far.

Links:
➤ Saskatchewan: Roddy Ross Signs with ECHL's Wichita Thunder, Records 42 Save Win in Debut Sunday Afternoon
➤ Saskatchewan: Former Huskie Defender Parker Gavlas Signs with ECHL's Norfolk Admirals
➤ Saskatchewan: Huskie Men's Hockey Adds Former ECHL Forward Conner Roulette
➤ Saskatchewan: ECHL Goaltender Bryan Thompson Signs With Huskie Men's Hockey

Holy Trinity has one story about three of their new recruits: Danylo Korzhyletskyi (from Brooks and Ukraine), Matthias Bessey (from Drayton Valley), and Aiden Knutson (from Yorkton and Olds).

Links:
➤ Trinity Western: Men’s Hockey New Recruits

The T-irds have one recruiting story, WHL defenceman Jace Weir. Not as many such recruits thus far.

Links:
➤ UBC: UBC Men’s Hockey secures big blue line addition in Jace Weir

 

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June 8, 2025 - ANOTHER BISON RECRUIT

LUCAS BRENNAN - F - Sherwood Park/Vernon (BCHL)

The Bisons now have a forward, a defenceman, and a goaltender in their recruiting class. Lucas Brennan was committed to play for Bemidji State, going back to the 2022-23 season when he led the Selkirk Steelers and the MJHL in scoring (53 GP, 41 G, 43 A, 84 pts) and won all the awards on offer. He is 5’ 9” & 168 lbs. After Selkirk, he played one season in the USHL and one in the BCHL. He will be striving to rediscover his 2022-23 form.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Lucas Brennan Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Lucas Brennan commits to Bemidji State University
➤ Game On Hockey: Western Marble Junior Player of the Month - Lucas Brennan
➤ MJHL: Five MJHL alumni advance to USHL
➤ Vernon Vipers: Vipers Swing Deal, Acquire Rights to Lucas Brennan
➤ Sherwood Park: Crusaders Acquire Forward Lucas Brennan

Elite Prospects has updated the Bisons’ page, and Mount Royal’s and Saskatchewan’s for good measure. One trend which may develop is NCAA players moving north. Manitoba has one, and MRU now has two.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ Elite Prospects: Manitoba Bisons (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Alberta Golden Bears (2)
➤ Elite Prospects: Calgary Dinosaurs (2)
➤ Elite Prospects: MacEwan Griffins (4)
➤ Elite Prospects: Mount Royal Cougars (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Regina Cougars (5)
➤ Elite Prospects: Saskatchewan Huskies (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Trinity Western Spartans (6)
➤ Elite Prospects: U.B.C. Thunderbirds (1)
➤ USports: LOI XLSX
➤ USports: USports Eligibility - Letters of Intent Page

 

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June 11, 2025 - FORMER BISONS LAND COACHING GIGS

Former Bisons Josh Tripp and Zach Franko are having some success in the coaching field.

Tripp played for the Bisons in 2019-20, before the aborted Covid season. He now coaches the Swan Valley Stampeders of the MJHL, and landed the job coaching the Team Manitoba U18s to a gold medal at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). They beat Alberta 4-2 in the final.

Starting in 2017, Manitoba has won NAHC gold in all the odd numbered years (except for 2021, which was cancelled for Covid). The team features a lot of MJHL players. Three Manitoba alumni have gone to the NHL, including the retired Michael Ferland and Brady Keeper, and current Golden Knight Zach Whitecloud.

Franko is the new head coach for the re-christened Winnipeg Monarchs of the MJHL. When the Winnipeg Ice came to the city to play in the WHL, the MJHL needed a 12th team to have three pods of four teams to create the chance of a season in the Covid year. They hurriedly threw together a new squad, dubbed the “Winnipeg Freeze”. The team has just changed names to adopt the Monarchs moniker, an historic name in the annals of Winnipeg hockey.

After a WHL career, Franko went to Acadia (AUS) for two seasons before coming home to the Bisons. He moved on to the ECHL and various European leagues. He had various coaching and scouting jobs, ultimately heading up the St. Boniface Riels (MMJHL) and last year assisted with the Swift Current Broncos (WHL).

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Joshua Tripp Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Team Manitoba wins gold at NAHC
➤ YouTube: NAHC Page
➤ Elite Prospects: Zach Franko Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Monarchs name Zach Franko Head Coach & GM

In the season of the great transition, there is now 2-way traffic between the NCAA and CIS. Brett Bamber is a defenceman who played two years at Alaska-Anchorage, and one at American International College (AIC). Since AIC announced they were dropping from Div 1 to Div 2, Bamber sought a return to Saudi Alberta.

Links:
➤ MacEwan: Talented two-way NCAA veteran D-man Bamber returning home to bolster Griffins' blueline

There’s a hat-trick of stories from Banjoland North, each about a new recruit. One is from the WHL and two from the SJHL. Clcik the links for a profile of each player.

Links:
➤ Saskatchewan: Former WHL Captain Eric Johnston Signs With Huskie Men's Hockey
➤ Saskatchewan: Huskie Men's Hockey Adds Back-to-Back SJHL Champion Zac Somers
➤ Saskatchewan: SJHL Champion Nicholas Andrusiak Signs With Huskie Men's Hockey

 

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June 14, 2025 - BISON RECRUITING NEWS

We still lack any news from GoBisons.ca, however Google notifications have yielded yet another recruit, and another story on Matthew Kieper (goaltender announced last week). The link on Kieper’s story is below.

ZACH TURNER - D - Melfort Mustangs (SJHL)

This is what I was looking for - a big Manitoba farm boy on defence. I was thinking I’d be satisfied with an old-school MJHL grad, but Turner has WHL experience as well. This is a 6'2" 192 lbs Boissevain boy, coming back to Manitoba to study aggie stuff. He had three full seasons and started a 4th in the WHL (with the Brandon Wheat Kings and Swift Current Broncos) before finishing as an over-ager with Melfort’s SJHL championship team.

This gives the Bisons a recruiting class (so far) on par with pre-NCAA rule change classes. Out of four recruits, one is directly from the WHL, two are WHL vets who spent their over-age year in Junior A, and one is an NCAA “de-commit”. Also, two of the four are much-needed defencemen.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Zach Turner Career Stats
➤ SJHL: Mustangs’ Turner commits to Manitoba (USports)
➤ CHL: Broncos Acquire Turner from Wheat Kings for Draft Pick
➤ Swift Current Online: Broncos acquire Turner from Wheat Kings for draft pick
➤ Northeast Now: Mustangs pick up former Swift Current Bronco
➤ Brandon Sun: Turner finds success in Melfort
➤ SJHL: Bombers’ Kieper commits to Manitoba (USports)

 

[Hollywood2]

June 20, 2025 - SPARSE NEWS WEEK

Although four Bison hockey recruits have been announced elsewhere (with three of those listed at Elite Prospects), the only post on GoBisons.ca is about yesterday's golf tournament fundraiser.

The CW schedule usually comes out in the 20s of June, so next week could be the big news.

Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca: Men's hockey hosting annual golf fundraiser

Regina and UBC have added new entries since the last update. Regina leads the CW with seven new bodies coming in. In this new recruiting era, Regina's class is comparatively good. Two have some WHL experience, both returning to Junior A. They all have good Junior A stats. The position breakdown is one goaltender, three defencemen, and three forwards. I'll break down the recruiting once team rosters come out.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ Elite Prospects: Manitoba Bisons (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Alberta Golden Bears (2)
➤ Elite Prospects: Calgary Dinosaurs (2)
➤ Elite Prospects: MacEwan Griffins (4)
➤ Elite Prospects: Mount Royal Cougars (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Regina Cougars (7)
➤ Elite Prospects: Saskatchewan Huskies (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Trinity Western Spartans (6)
➤ Elite Prospects: U.B.C. Thunderbirds (2)
➤ USports: LOI XLSX
➤ USports: USports Eligibility - Letters of Intent Page

The ACAC becomes the second conference to announce their schedule. No non-conference games are yet on that schedule. It starts on October 17th with Briercrest at Red Deer, NAIT at Concordia, Augustana at Portage, and SAIT having a bye.

Links:
➤ ACAC: 2025-26 Schedule/Results

 

[Hollywood2]

June 22, 2025: C.W. SCHEDULING FORMAT

I have looked into the CW’s scheduling format. I really see no reason for the two division structure implemented in 2024-25. I delved into the CW’s regulations and here is what the regulations say:

I put the figures into a chart, and here is the result:

Before the conference expanded into Trinity Western and MacEwan while Lethbridge folded, the eight team format was perfect with one home series and one away series against each opponent. Now they don’t want to go from 28 games to 32 games, and from 14 weeks to 18 weeks to accommodate byes, so everyone acknowledges that a new format was needed. However, there is no need for two divisions. Especially not since there is a cross-over in the quarter-final round.

An option? Well, each team should have two opponents per season for one series, and six opponents for two series. They could have a rule which would state that the one series opponents would never be in your “zone”, i.e. BC (UBC and TWU), Edmonton (Alberta and MacEwan), Calgary (MRU and Calgary), and Man-Sask (Manitoba, Regina, and Saskatchewan). Then the playoffs could maintain the previous format, i.e. 1st and 2nd get byes to the semi-finals, and 3rd v 6th and 4th v 5th in the quarter-finals.

Links:
➤ CWUAA: Operations Manual & Playing Regulations

 

[Hollywood2]

June 24, 2025: C.W. SCHEDULE RELEASED

The complete conference schedule has been released, and several teams included a number of exhibition games on their team pages. The Bisons have "extra" series against Regina and Calgary this year. There are many quirks with start times for the Bisons, with the Lakehead pre-season games Friday at 2:00 and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Then the home-opener against Calgary is a Friday at 2:00 p.m. Misprints?

Regina and Holy Trinity do not yet have the 2025-26 schedule uploaded.

Of note, Sask is off to Hungary and Slovakia for a Euro Tour. This is the first such tour for the Banjo-Mutts in my memory.

Links:
➤ Canada West Prezly: Canada West Reveals '25-26 Hockey Schedule
➤ CWUAA: Schedule/Results Page
➤ Manitoba: Schedule/Results Page
➤ Alberta: Schedule/Results Page
➤ Calgary: Schedule/Results Page (regular season only)
➤ MacEwan: Schedule/Results Page (regular season only)
➤ MacEwan: 2025-26 schedule: Griffins renew growing UBC rivalry in season opener Oct. 3
➤ Mount Royal: Schedule/Results Page (regular season only)
➤ Mount Royal: 2025-26 hockey schedules are live
➤ Saskatchewan: Schedule/Results Page
➤ U.B.C.: Schedule/Results Page (regular season only)

 

[Hollywood2]

June 28, 2025 - CANADA DAY WEEKEND NEWS WRAP-UP

Since the schedules came out, only the Banjo-Mutts have posted something new. They have a new Junior A goaltender by the name of James Venne. He went to Sherwood Park of the BCHL after playing for the Melfort Mustangs (suddenly a rich recruiting ground) of the SJHL. His numbers were so-so: 16-14-1 record, .890 S%, and 3.63 GAA. He replaces one of the all-star tandem of Roddy Ross and Jordan Kooy, a mighty big task. His new tandem partner stands to be previously announced recruit Bryan Thompson, who has pro experience.

Links:
➤ Sask: Huskie Men's Hockey Signs Former BCHL & SJHL Goaltender James Venne

Elite Prospects continues to be the best one-stop source of information. I link each team's recruiting page, with aggregate numbers in parenthesis. You can scour the links, but there are a lot more than the usual number of Junior A recruits on all lists. Regina's the big leader in the numbers race, with NINE!

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ Elite Prospects: Manitoba Bisons (4)
➤ Elite Prospects: Alberta Golden Bears (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Calgary Dinosaurs (4)
➤ Elite Prospects: MacEwan Griffins (4)
➤ Elite Prospects: Mount Royal Cougars (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Regina Cougars (9)
➤ Elite Prospects: Saskatchewan Huskies (5)
➤ Elite Prospects: Trinity Western Spartans (6)
➤ Elite Prospects: U.B.C. Thunderbirds (2)
➤ USports: LOI XLSX
➤ USports: USports Eligibility - Letters of Intent Page

I checked the CW schedule for the one twist which really matters, namely the 3 series v 2 series match-ups in the West division. With five teams, each team plays two opponents twice and two opponents thrice. The three-series match-ups are:
Calgary: v MRU & Manitoba
Manitoba: v Regina & Calgary
MRU: v Calgary & Sask
Regina: v Sask & Manitoba
Sask: v MRU & Regina

Manitoba is home to Regina once, and away twice. This is good because Regina always comes in for an exhibition series. And Manitoba is home to Calgary twice and away once. The away series has to wait until the end of the season.

 

[Hollywood2]

July 3, 2025 - OMAHA'S WILD KINGDOM TO FEATURE MONKEYS, BISONS SCORE LOIs

The Usports LOI page has two new Bisons, both transfers from the NCAA. Sask and UBC also have stories posted, about off-ice developments. But the big story is the exodus from Alberta (and others) to Nebraska-Omaha (and others).

COLE PLOWMAN - G - Alaska-Fairbanks (NCAA)

The Bisons have recruited another goaltender. Cole Plowman was with Alaska-Fairbanks last year, after having played for the Steinbach Pistons and Selkirk Steelers of the MJHL. Plowman played just 7 minutes last year, hence the push for a change of venue. His MJHL numbers were superior: 30-6-0, .934 S%, 1.81 GAA. Those numbers are very similar to those of fellow recruit Matthew Kieper: 23-2-2, .935 S%, 1.80 GAA in his final season with Flin Flon.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Cole Plowman Career Stats
➤ Pistons: Pistons Acquire Cole Plowman in Trade with Selkirk Steelers
➤ CJHL: CJHL names its 3 Stars of the Month for November – Fuelled by Gatorade
➤ MJHL: Plowman named CJHL 1st Star of the Month
➤ Brandon Sun: Veteran Steinbach Pistons goalie Cole Plowman earns weekly honour
➤ MJHL: Cole Plowman commits to Alaska Fairbanks
➤ Nanooks: 2024-25 Men's Ice Hockey Roster

TANNER WILLICK - D - AIC (NCAA)

Willick is not the usual Bison blueline recruit. He’s from Saskatoon, stands 5’9” and weighs 157 lbs. In junior, he played one season with Drumheller in the AJHL and two seasons with Blackfalds in the AJHL and BCHL. He had 140 points in 163 Junior A games over his career. He went to AIC (American International College) last year. However, they announced that they are moving down from Division 1 to Division 3.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Tanner Willick Career Stats
➤ Bulldogs: Bulldogs Name Captains For 2023-24 Season
➤ Bulldogs: Player Profile
➤ Dragons: Daneault Named to All-League Team
➤ Red Deer Advocate: AJHL seeking clarity, five departing clubs deny agreement with BCHL
➤ AJHL: Tanner Willick Commits to AIC

The Banjo-Mutts' all-star goaltender has an NHL try-out with the Vancouver Canucks. In a season where players are leaving early, at least Roddy Ross graduated and moved on the way it is supposed to be done. Nevertheless, the Mutts will be facing question marks in goal this year.

Links:
➤ Sask: Canada West Goaltender of the Year Roddy Ross Invited to Vancouver Canucks 2025 Development Camp

The T-irds have switched assistant coaches, with Myles Fitzgerald coming in for Matt Revel. He played at Bemidji State, and coached in the BCHL and China. The linked story also delves into the NCAA impact this year.

Links:
➤ UBC: Myles Fitzgerald joins T-Birds bench as men’s hockey assistant coach

Yesterday, Elite Prospects listed five players from the CW who are on their way to the Omaha Mavericks of the NCAA. Today they added two more. Those players include four Evil Monkeys (Aidan De La Gorgendiere, Marc Lajoie, Brett Hyland, and Sean Tschigerl), plus one T-ird (Samuel Huo) and two Banjo-Mutts (Landon Kosior and Trevor Wong). This in addition to the Monkeys' previous departures (Ty Nash to Arizona State and Tyler Palmer to Bowling Green). When handicapping the upcoming season, it will take a lot of roster review.

Also, Alberta went from 3 recruits, down to 2. Regina is now up to 10 recruits (2 goalies, 4 d-men, and 4 forwards) , and Sask is up to 6 (two of each).

I have added a number in parenthesis for the number of players going to the NCAA.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ Elite Prospects: Manitoba Bisons (4)
➤ Elite Prospects: Alberta Golden Bears (2) (6 to NCAA)
➤ Elite Prospects: Calgary Dinosaurs (4) (1 to NCAA)
➤ Elite Prospects: MacEwan Griffins (5)
➤ Elite Prospects: Mount Royal Cougars (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Regina Cougars (10)
➤ Elite Prospects: Saskatchewan Huskies (6) (2 to NCAA)
➤ Elite Prospects: Trinity Western Spartans (6)
➤ Elite Prospects: U.B.C. Thunderbirds (2) (2 to NCAA)
➤ USports: LOI XLSX
➤ USports: USports Eligibility - Letters of Intent Page

 

[Hollywood2]

July 9, 2025 - CANADA WEST TRANSACTIONS SUMMARY

I don't usually do a cross-conference summary of recruits until team roster pages are out, because you need to know who is returning as well as who is arriving and leaving to gauge a team's outlook. However, the change of the NCAA eligibility rules makes this a year of large transition.

For each entry I have the player's name, position, and his 2024-25 team(s). If the player had a different junior or university team in prior seasons, those are also noted. Junior B or Midget teams are excluded. The links go the players' Elite Prospects page. The departures segment links just to the team transfers page, not to each individual player.

ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS

Arrivals

Ty Thornton - D - Melfort (SJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/583460/ty-thornton
SJHL: 131 GP 9 G 58 A 67 Pts

Dylan Ruptash - F - Whitecourt (AJHL) [prior Yorkton (SJHL) & Spruce Grove (AJHL/BCHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/583507/dylan-ruptash
AJHL: 56 GP 25 G 22 A 47 Pts
BCHL: 19 GP 6 G 9 A 15 Pts
SJHL: 86 GP 31 G 33 A 64 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1179/univ.-of-alberta/transfers

Ty Nash (F) Arizona State (NCAA)
Tyler Palmer (G) Bowling Green State (NCAA)
Elias Carmichael (D) HK Nitra (Slovakia)
Brett Hyland (F) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
Marc Lajoie (D) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
Aidan De La Gorgendiere (D) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
Sean Tschigerl (F) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

CALGARY DINOSAURS

Arrivals

Kaiden Bugera - D - Grande Prairie (AJHL) [prior Blackfalds & Bonnyville (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/575014/kaiden-bugera
AJHL: 189 GP 10 G 41 A 51 Pts

Tre Fouquette - D - Humboldt (SJHL) [prior Prince Albert & Brandon (WHL), Nipawin (SJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/569263/tre-fouquette
SJHL: 157 GP 13 G 59 A 72 Pts
WHL: 37 GP 2 G 4 A 6 Pts

Jacksenn Hungle - F - Victoria (BCHL) [prior Merritt (BCHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/707008/jacksenn-hungle
BCHL: 150 GP 32 G 33 A 65 Pts

Hayden Pakkala - F - Lethbridge/Seattle (WHL) [prior Prince Albert (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/505626/hayden-pakkala
WHL: 259 GP 48 G 56 A 104 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/2091/univ.-of-calgary/transfers

Colson Gengenbach (F) Manitoba Moose (2024-25 AHL)
Max Patterson (F) Fort Wayne Komets (2024-25 ECHL)
Tyson Galloway (D) Lake Superior State (NCAA)
Zach Wytinck (D) IF Troja-Ljungby (Sweden)
Jadon Joseph (F) Indy Fuel (ECHL)

MACEWAN GRIFFINS

Arrivals

Zac Onyskiw - G - Whitecourt (AJHL [prior Spruce Grove (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/564983/zac-onyskiw
AJHL: 100 GP - 64-23-9 - 2.22 GAA - .921 S%

Brett Bamber - D - American International (NCAA) [prior Alaska-Anchorage (NCAA)] & Drayton Valley (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/413478/brett-bamber
NCAA: 96 GP 14 G 27 A 41 Pts
AJHL: 176 GP 24 G 51 A 75 Pts

Rhett Dekowny - F - Canmore (AJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/647199/rhett-dekowny
AJHL: 168 GP 52 G 64 A 116 Pts

Colin Doherty - F - Grande Prairie (AJHL) [prior Spruce Grove (BCHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/599444/colin-doherty
AJHL: 65 GP 26 G 28 A 54 Pts
BCHL: 33 GP 6 G 4 A 10 Pts

Myles Gauld - F - Okotoks (BCHL) & Bonnyville (AJHL) [prior Cowichan (BCHL) & Camrose (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/575168/myles-gauld
BCHL: 26 GP 4 G 7 A 11 Pts
AJHL: 143 GP 51 G 67 A 118 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/5100/grant-macewan-univ./transfers

Sean Comrie (D) Guildford Flames (EIHL)

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Part 2

MANITOBA BISONS

Arrivals

Matthew Keepr - G - Flin Flon (SJHL) [prior Swift Current, Kamloops, Regina (WHL) & Canmore (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/573377/matthew-kieper
SJHL: 27 GP - 23-2-2 - .935 S% - 1.80 GAA
WHL: 77 GP - 38-25-4 - .881 S% - 3.69 GAA
AJHL: 8 GP - 3-5-0 - .875 S%* - 4.00 GAA

Cole Plowman - G - Alaska-Fairbanks (NCAA) [prior Steinbach & Selkirk (MJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/483387/cole-plowman
NCAA: 1 GP - 0-0-0 - 1.000 S% - 0.00 GAA
MJHL: 95 GP - 60-26-3 - .914 S% - 2.48 GAA

Samuel Borschowa - D - Kamloops (WHL) [prior Moose Jaw (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/647235/samuel-borschowa
WHL: 116 GP 3 G 12 A 15 Pts

Zach Turner - D - Melfort (SJHL)/Swift Current (WHL) [prior Brandon (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/571029/zach-turner
SJHL: 46 GP 7 G 23 A 30 Pts
WHL: 111 GP 4 G 10 A 14 Pts

Tanner Willick - D - American International (NCAA) [prior Blackfalds (AJHL/BCHL) & Drumheller (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/565740/tanner-willick
NCAA: 7 GP 0 G 0 A 0 Pts
AJHL: 143 GP 24 G 104 A 128 Pts
BCHL: 20 GP 3 G 9 A 12 Pts

Lucas Brennan - F - Vernon & Sherwood Park (BCHL) [prior Cedar Rapids & Omaha (USHL) & Selkirk (MJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/572856/lucas-brennan
BCHL: 51 GP 17 G 12 A 29 Pts
USHL: 45 GP 0 G 9 A 9 Pts
MJHL: 106 GP 54 G 58 A 112 Pts


Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/2159/univ.-of-manitoba/transfers

None

MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS

Arrivals

Ethan Buenaventura- G - Calgary (WHL)/Penticton (BCHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/526099/ethan-buenaventura
WHL: 114 GP - 40-53-15 - .893 S% - 3.52 GAA
BCHL: 18 GP - 13-1-1 - .904 S% - 2.11 GAA

Tanner Komzak - D - North Dakota (NCAA) [prior Whitecourt (AJHL), Cowichan & Langley (BCHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/561395/tanner-komzak
NCAA: 21 GP 0 G 0 A 0 Pts
AJHL: 118 GP 14 G 46 A 60 Pts
BCHL: 58 GP 5 G 7 A 12 Pts

Brett Moravec - F - Minnesota State (NCAA) [prior Penticton (BCHL), Calgary & Okotoks (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/476610/brett-moravec
NCAA: 64 GP 9 G 6 A 15 Pts
BCHL: 103 GP 51 G 47 A 98 Pts
AJHL: 65 GP 9 G 16 A 25 Pts

Bowden Singleton - F - Calgary (AJHL) [prior Vernon (BCHL), Okotoks & Sherwood Park (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/532702/bowden-singleton
AJHL: 185 GP 77 G 142 A 219 Pts
BCHL: 16 GP 0 G 0 A 0 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/10071/mount-royal-univ./transfers

Clay Hanus (D) Kalmar HC (Sweden)

REGINA COUGARS

Arrivals

Spencer Borsos - G - Notre Dame (SJHL) [prior Calgary (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/575160/spencer-borsos
SJHL: 56 GP - 15-36-4 - .895 S% - 3.99 GAA
AJHL: 52 GP - 11-28-6 - .868 S% - 4.60 GAA

Damon Cunningham - G - Aberdeen (NAHL) [prior Nipawin (SJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/564969/damon-cunningham
NAHL: 39 GP - 21-17-0 - .914 S% - 2.55 GAA
SJHL: 48 GP - 18-22-2 - .913 S% - 3.08 GAA

Jaren Brinson - D - Canmore (AJHL) [prior Victoria, Regina, Spokane, Winnipeg, Prince George (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/560989/jaren-brinson
AJHL: 35 GP 1 G 13 A 14 Pts
WHL: 202 GP 9 G 23 A 32 Pts

Matthew Gallant - D - Whitecourt/Drayton Valley (AJHL) Seattle/Edmonton (WHL) [prior Edmonton & Moose Jaw (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/638611/matthew-gallant
AJHL: 26 GP 2 G 13 A 15 Pts
WHL: 179 GP 8 G 39 A 47 Pts

Matt Kjemhus - D - Melville (SJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/569424/matt-kjemhus
SJHL: 140 GP 14 G 30 A 44 Pts

Rylan Silzer - D - LaRonge (SJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/569178/rylan-silzer
SJHL: 156 GP 24 G 59 A 83 Pts

Brayden Barnett - F - Steinbach (MJHL) [prior Regina (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/565745/brayden-barnett
MJHL: 54 GP 10 G 14 A 24 Pts
WHL: 104 GP 9 G 7 A 16 Pts

Jaron Desnoyers - F - Yorkton (SJHL) [prior Yorkton (SJHL), Fort McMurray & Sherwood Park (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/583364/jaron-desnoyers
SJHL: 103 GP 48 G 77 A 125 Pts
AJHL: 88 GP 11 G 19 A 30 Pts

Landon Gulutzan - F - Swan Valley (MJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/575047/landen-gulutzan
MJHL: 143 GP 41 G 71 A 112 Pts

Cole Wirun - LW - North Iowa (NAHL) [prior Notre Dame (SJHL) Canmore (AJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/583555/cole-wirun
NAHL: 59 GP 19 G 38 A 57 Pts
SJHL: 44 GP 19 G 25 A 44 Pts
AJHL: 25 GP 4 G 8 A 12 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/2324/univ.-of-regina/transfers

None

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Page 3

SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES

Arrivals

Bryan Thomson - G - Texas (AHL)/Idaho (ECHL) [prior Lethbridge (WHL)/ Melville (SJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/403776/bryan-thomson
AHL: 0 GP - 0-0-0 - .000 S% - 0.00 GAA
ECHL: 60 GP - 31-18-5 - .906 S% - 3.07 GAA
WHL: 117 GP - 59-42-5 - .901 S% - 3.06 GAA
SJHL: 4 GP - 3-0-0 - .931 S% - 2.09 GAA

James Venne - G - Sherwood Park (BCHL) [prior Melfort (SJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/516607/james-venne
BCHL: 32 GP - 16-14-1 - .890 S% - 3.63 GAA
SJHL: 111 GP 65-26-9 - .907 S% - 2.68 GAA

Nicholas Andrusiak - D - Melfort (SJHL) [prior Saskatoon, Red Deer, Portalnd (WHL), Melville (SJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/569237/nicholas-andrusiak
SJHL: 119 GP 11 G 38 A 49 Pts
WHL: 77 GP 0 G 8 A 8 Pts

Eric Johnston - D - Vernon (BCHL)/ Moose Jaw & Swift Currebt (WHL) [prior Prince Albert & Edmonton (WHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/569271/eric-johnston
BCHL: 15 GP 0 G 3 A 3 Pts
WHL: 239 GP 15 G 49 A 64 Pts

Connner Roulette - LW/C - Tulsa (ECHL) [prior Spokane, Saskatoon, Seattle (WHL), Selkirk (MJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/483386/conner-roulette
ECHL: 61 GP 17 G 17 A 34 Pts
WHL: 259 GP 118 G 170 A 288 Pts
MJHL: 3 GP 1 G 1 A 2 Pts

Zackery Somers - F - Melfort (SJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/569230/zackery-somers
SJHL: 165 GP 62 G 85 A 147 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1188/univ.-of-saskatchewan/transfers

Roddy Ross (G) Wichita Thunder (ECHL)
Parker Gavlas (D) Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
Landon Kosior (D) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)
Trevor Wong (F) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS

Arrivals

Adam Leitch - D - Calgary (AJHL) [prior Cowichan Valley, Prince George, Victoria (BCHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/541162/adam-leitch
AJHL: 83 GP 2 G 26 A 28 Pts
BCHL: 73 GP 0 G 5 A 5 Pts

Matthias Bessey - F - Drayton Valley (AJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/584788/matthias-bessey
AJHL: 160 GP 14 G 34 A 48 Pts

Aiden Knutson - F - Olds (AJHL)/Yorkton (SJHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/505860/aiden-knutson
AJHL: 28 GP 6 G 8 A 14 Pts
SJHL: 112 GP 26 G 34 A 60 Pts

Danylo Korzhyletskyi - F - AIC (NCAA) [prior Brooks (AJHL/BCHL), Amarillo (NAHL), Sokil (Ukraine)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/538848/danylo-korzhyletskyi
NCAA: 0 GP 0 G 0 A 0 Pts
AJHL: 94 GP 24 G 42 A 66 Pts
BCHL: 20 GP 8 G 6 A 14 Pts
NAHL: 23 GP 7 G 11 A 18 Pts

McLaren Paulsen - F - Dryden (SIJHL) [prior Humboldt (SJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/647032/mclaren-paulsen
SIJHL: 111 GP 60 G 66 A 126 Pts
SJHL: 17 GP 0 G 1 A 1 Pts

Cyprus Smith-Davis - F - Weyburn (SJHL) [prior Grande Prairie (AJHL) Notre Dame (SJHL)]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/713099/cyprus-smith-davis
SJHL: 113 GP 34 G 28 A 62 Pts
AJHL: 15GP 4 G 2 A 6 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/5904/trinity-western-univ./transfers

Skyler Cameron (D) Åmåls SK (Sweden)
Luke Spadafora (F) Basingstoke Bison (EIHL)

U.B.C. THUNDERBIRDS

Arrivals

Jace Weir - D - Red Deer (WHL)
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/691857/jace-weir
WHL: 279 GP 13 G 74 A 87 Pts

Reilley Kotai - F - Melfort (SJHL) [prior Austin (NAHL), Langley & Coquitlam (BCHL]
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/647533/reilley-kotai
SJHL: 53 GP 39 G 38 A 77 Pts
NAHL: 19 GP 1 G 3 A 4 Pts
BCHL: 58 GP 5 G 8 A 13 Pts

Departures
https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/1138/univ.-of-british-columbia/transfers

Conner McDonald (D) Laval Rocket (AHL)
Carson Latimer (F) Michigan Tech (NCAA)
Samuel Huo (F) Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA)

 

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July 10, 2025: CALGARY & REGINA UPLOAD RECRUITING STORIES

The departure of Jadon Joseph was previously noted at Elite Prospects, and Go Dinos.com backs it up with a story. He played one year with Holy Trinity before moving to Bedrock U for three seasons.

Links:
➤ Calgary: Jadon Joseph latest Dino to go pro

The Banjo-Cats have had an announcement-per-day this week, about a hat-trick of new recruits. All three players are defencemen, previously-announced at Elite Prospects. Jaren Brinson comes from Canmore (AJHL) but played most of his junior career in the WHL (202 games). Matthew Gallant moved around a lot last year, playing with Whitecourt and Drayton Valley (AJHL) and Seattle and Edmonton (WHL). He has 179 games in the WHL. Matt Kjemhus played his whole junior career with Melville (SJHL) where he finished as captain. In today’s marketplace, this is a good blueline recruiting class.

Links:
➤ Regina: Defenceman Jaren Brinson commits to the Cougars for 2025-26
➤ Regina: Melville Millionaires captain Matt Kjemhus commits to the Cougars for 2025-26
➤ Regina: Matt Gallant will join Cougars via Whitecourt Wolverines for 2025-26 season

 

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July 13, 2025: NEWS FROM BANJOLAND

Saskatown leads the CW in local press coverage. There were two stories in the Star-Phoenix, one dealing with recruiting and one with the Mutts' pending trip to Europe.

The opinion in the recruitment story is that the Banjo-Mutts are breaking even on the recruitment front. Some merit to that for three names:
Forward: Trevor Wong is gone to the NCAA, but Connor Roulette is in from the WHL;
Defence: Landon Kosior is also gone to the NCAA, but Hudson Thornton arrives from the ECHL;
Goalie: all-star Roddy Ross is gone pro, but Bryan Thomson is in from the ECHL.

They never nominated a direct sub for Parker Gavlas, also gone pro. Departures without a stated destination include Vince Loschiavo, Justin Ball, and back-up goalie Ethan Chadwick.

The story includes a blurb about the Evil Monkeys:

The Huskies’ arch-rival Alberta Golden Bears have been hit particularly hard by off-season departures to the NCAA. They’ve lost goalie Tyler Palmer, D-men Aidan De La Gorgendiere and Marc Lajoie, plus forwards Sean Tschigerl, Brett Hyland and Ty Nash. Other departures include defenceman Elias Carmichael (European pro), forward Josh Prokop (pro) and Tyler Preziuso (graduated).

I would have to pencil-in the Mutts as pre-season favourites for now.

The article on the European tour has blurbs on some names which might be familiar.

UTE Budapest includes Saskatoon native Keegan Danserou, former Regina Pats forward/defenceman Dyson Stevenson, and former Melville Millionaire and Regina Cougars forward Ian McNulty.

HK Nitra has former University of Alberta Golden Bear defenceman Elias Carmichael and former Notre Dame Hound/Kamloops Blazer goalie Dylan Ferguson.

Links:
➤ Star-Phoenix (July 10): Plus-minus: Saskatchewan Huskies navigate through changing hockey landscape, new NCAA rules
➤ Star-Phoenix (July 11): Saskatchewan Huskies heading on a European hockey excursion

 

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July 16, 2025: HERD LANDS TWO MORE RECRUITS

The latest USports LOI list has two more recruits for the Bisons - one an NCAA de-commit defenceman and the other a Junior A star forward. This gives the Bisons eight new recruits, two goaltenders, four defencemen, and two forwards.


KAYCEE COYLE - D - Salmon Arm (BCHL)/ Fairbanks (NAHL)

Here's a guy who could add some excitement! Shoresy would love him! If they make another Slapshot movie, his highlight reel could add some inspiration. He has been suspended a couple of times. He is a hard-nosed 6' defenceman, shoots right, and plays rough. In 2022-23 he played for LaRonge in the SJHL (where he was suspended for 20 games). They traded him to Niverville in the MJHL for 2023-24, to the chagrin of their coach. He then split 2024-25 between Salmon Arm in the BCHL and Fairbanks in the NAHL. While in Salmon Arm, he committed to play for the new NCAA Div 1 program in Tennessee State. However, funding problems forced a delayed launch of that program to at least 2026-27. He spends a lot of time sitting in the box and feeling shame, usually around 3 minutes per game on average.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Kaycee Coyle Career Stats
➤ YouTube: Jan 3/24 : Jan 20/24 : Jan 25/24 : Sept 13/24 : Sept 9/24 : Feb 12/25
➤ LaRonge Now: Ice Wolf suspended for 20 games due to maltreatment
➤ Icewolves.com: Ice Wolves trade Coyle
➤ Niverville Citizen: Nighthawks Roster: The Defencemen : Re-post
➤ The Carillon: Oakbank’s Coyle thriving in Nighthawks uniform
➤ The Carillon: Niverville Nighthawks Coyle, Legall, flying south
➤ Web Central Fairbanks: Ice Dogs beef up the blueline in the years draft
➤ Salmon Arm Silverbacks: Kaycee Coyle commits to Tennessee State University


MIGUEL BOUVIER - F - Norman Blizzard (MJHL)

Here we have a 5'9" 176 lbs forward from Winnipeg. He is just three seasons out of Midget. He played all three seasons with the OCN/Norman Blizzard. In his first two seasons, he played 109 games, and had 25 goals and 32 assists. Things changed a lot in 2024-25 where he had 37 goals and 37 assists for 74 points in 58 games. He led the Blizzard in scoring and was team MVP in their surprise championship season.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Miguel Bouvier Career Stats
➤ Instagram Video: Feb 26/25
➤ Facebook Video: Apr 22/25
➤ MJHL: Original 16 Stars of the Week | Week 6
➤ MJHL: MJHL Players of the Month | December 2024
➤ The Carillon: MJHL Notes: Dyck, Hirst coaching at MJHL/SJHL showcase
➤ Norman Blizzard: Year End Awards Banquet

 

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July 18, 2025: RECRUIT NUMBER NINE

The Bisons' 9th recruit was listed at Elite Prospects, who did an update of their lists on Friday. The Herd now has a 3rd forward, to go with the two goaltenders and four defencemen previously disclosed.

JOEL PURDOM - C - Powell River/ Sherwood Park (BCHL)

We have here a local boy, who played two seasons with the Selkirk Steelers (MJHL) before going to the BCHL last year. He was the captain in Powell River then was dealt to Sherwood Park for the playoff run. He’s 6’ and 185 lbs, shoots left. His numbers do not stand out, though a nomination of a captaincy is always a good sign. In the MJHL he played 103 games and was 28-41-69 for scoring, with 144 PIMs. In the BCHL he played 51 games and scoring was 11-10-21 with 46 PIMs.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Joel Purdom Career Stats
➤ Instagram Highlights: Oct 5/24 : Oct 21/24
➤ MJHL: Player Profile
➤ Powell River Kings: Kings add more experience with Joel Purdom
➤ PR Peak: Powell River Kings name new captain, split pair of road games

This is a bit of a catch-up at Elite Prospects. They added all the Bisons listed at the LOI page, but just a smattering of others. Here's the update. The NCAA exodus appears to have abated.

Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ Elite Prospects: Manitoba Bisons (9)
➤ Elite Prospects: Alberta Golden Bears (2)
➤ Elite Prospects: Calgary Dinosaurs (5)
➤ Elite Prospects: MacEwan Griffins (6)
➤ Elite Prospects: Mount Royal Cougars (3)
➤ Elite Prospects: Regina Cougars (10)
➤ Elite Prospects: Saskatchewan Huskies (7)
➤ Elite Prospects: Trinity Western Spartans (6)
➤ Elite Prospects: U.B.C. Thunderbirds (2)
➤ USports: USports Eligibility - Letters of Intent Page