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June 14: A Coach and Three Recruits
The announcements in the CW in general and Bisons in particular are trickling in. The Bisons have announced a new coach and two players, and one more announced elsewhere. All players are from the MJHL. I'll look into the rest of the CW on the weekend.
GORDON BURNETT - coach - Moose Jaw (WHL)
As a player, Burnett played NCAA III with St. Scholastica then seven seasons in the ECHL and CHL, where he scored six goals. He has been coaching since 2013 and of local interest was an assistant with the Kootenay Ice and head coach for a season with the Winnipeg Blues before returning to the Dub to assist in Moose Jaw in 2020-21. Hopefully he has the recruiting connections.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Gordon Burnett Career Stats
➤ GoBisons.ca: Gordon Burnett named as Bisons men's hockey head coach
KIAN CALDER - D - Portage Terriers (MJHL)
There is as yet no official announcement here, but the MJHL and Terriers have announced this commitment. Calder is a Portage lad who has had three stints in Portage, separated during Covid with a brief stint in BC and a 2021-22 trade to the Estevan Bruins. The Bruins won the SJHL title and upon returning to Portage he won a MJHL title in 2022-23. He was team captain and in 57 games was 15-27-42.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Kian Calder Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Kian Calder commits to University of Manitoba
➤ MJHL: Kian Calder – Terriers RBC Community Ambassador
➤ Portage Online: Terriers hand Kian Calder Captaincy duties
➤ Portage Terriers: Calder Named Playoff MVP
➤ Portage Online: (2022) Calder scores "biggest goal of his life" to capture SJHL Championship
OWEN WAREHAM - D - Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
This commitment is confirmed by the Bisons, and all the usual sources. Wareham is from Rivers and played three full seasons in Dauphin and was on the 2022 championship team. In 58 games his stats were 8-29-37. He was also team captain, taking over from fellow defenceman and Bison recruit, Parker Malchuk.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Owen Wareham Career Stats
➤ GoBisons.ca: Men's hockey announce commitment of forward Andrew Boucher, defenceman Owen Wareham
➤ MJHL: Owen Wareham commits to University of Manitoba
➤ 730 CKDM: Former Kings Captain Staying Home
➤ Brandon Sun: Boucher, Wareham commit to Bisons
➤ Dauphin Kings: Captain Wareham shines with Kings
ANDREW BOUCHER - F - Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL)
This signing is also confirmed by the Bisons. Boucher is a 6'2" forward from Morden, who played three seasons in Wayway (including the 6-game covid season). The team could really use some scoring up front. I am still hoping for some high-level WHL recruits in that role. However, in 36 MJHL games last year Boucher was 15-36-51. He is also the 3rd MJHL captain to be recruited by the Bisons this season.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Andrew Boucher Career Stats
➤ GoBisons.ca: Men's hockey announce commitment of forward Andrew Boucher, defenceman Owen Wareham
➤ MJHL: Andrew Boucher commits to University of Manitoba
➤ Wayway: Boucher heads to University of Manitoba
➤ Wayway: Wolverines announce 2022-23 Captains
➤ Brandon Sun: Boucher named Wolverines captain
ELSEWHERE
The CW site is under re-construction (again). Hopefully they make it easier to navigate. The content was fairly good last year, although lacking consistent links to game stories and the video highlights much promoted before covid. |
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June 18: Quebec News
   
I was about to write a post on the CW’s sparse recruitment thus far, when I saw that the RSEQ started a “Division 2" last year, with three teams. Those are Concordia University (who operated two teams), École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). Last year they played 12 games, and this year they are adding 13 additional games against the CEGEP Division 1 teams. The Links Post above has had these links added to it.
UQAC finished first (9-3-0), Concordia was 2nd (8-4-0), and ETS pulled up the rear (1-11-0). UQAC is returning to USports now, pending full membership in 2025. Maybe UQAM's new team will start here as well.
UQAC folded their hockey program in 1986. They qualified for one University Cup (in 1979) where they beat Guelph 7-2 and lost to Dalhousie 7-3.
Here are some stories about it:
➤ 49-Sport: BREAKING: U SPORTS expands to 57 schools, welcomes UQAC
The UQAC Inuk last played in U SPORTS when they competed in men’s hockey in the 1985-86 season but will join as a probationary member for two years in men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball and men’s track and field, with the potential for more sports in the future.
As of 2022, the Inuk also brought back a men’s hockey program but will not join U SPORTS until at least 2025-26. They have joined the RSEQ division 2 for 2023-24.
The decision to welcome UQAC as a full member to U SPORTS will be voted on at the 2025 U SPORTS annual general meeting.
➤ The Link: RSEQ Announces Division 2 League | Sports
Three university teams will be added to the division 2 and 13 collegiate-level division 1 programs. All teams will play 12 games in the regular season. The three university squads will hail from Concordia University, the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and the École de technologie supérieure. ...
“[The division 1] league is so good right now that we recruit all the [Quebec Major Junior Hockey League] and [Canadian Hockey League] players,” said Elément. “But there are so many other leagues that funnel players. So, the more teams you add at that level, the more opportunities that players will get to play the sport that they love.”
➤ The Concordian: Teams in the D2 league will get to play 13 extra games against CEGEPs starting in 2023-24
Starting next season, teams in the division 2 men’s university hockey league in the RSEQ will get an extra 13 games added to their season, played against division 1 CEGEP teams.
The league currently consists of three teams: Concordia University, École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC).
Instead of playing 12 games per season, which sometimes can go a couple of weeks without a game, each team will now get to play 25 games per season.
➤ Le Quotidien: - Le premier match (et gain) des Inuk, au-delà du hockey (Google Translate)
This is a photo from a UQAC v Concordia game last year.
RSEQ Links:
➤ RSEQ Hockey Link Page
➤ RSEQ Schedule 2023-24
➤ RSEQ Hockey Link Page 2022-23
➤ RSEQ Schedule/Results 2022-23
➤ RSEQ Standings 2022-23
Team Links:
➤ ETS Piranhas (Google Translate)
➤ UQAC Inuk (Google Translate)
➤ Concordia Stingers Division 2 (Elite Prospects) |
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June 20: CW Schedule Released
The regular season and playoff schedule has been announced, and some teams have started posting stories as well. Now begins the wait for pre-season schedules. Three such games are also out there!
Links:
➤ CW: HKY: Canada West introduces '23-24 hockey schedule
➤ CW: CW Hockey Schedule
The Bisons open at home on a Thursday night/Friday afternoon (!?) double-header against the Saskatchewan Banjo-Mutts on September 28th and 29th. The website has no story, nor the schedule, but a game was announced at North Dakota on October 7th, during the Bisons’ bye week. The Herd will face Regina (away) and Alberta (home) once each.
Links:
➤ UND: UND '23-24 Hockey Schedule
The Evil Monkeys’ schedule discloses two pre-season games in addition to the regular season. They are away to the Town of Bedrock on September 8th to face the Dinos, then will play host on September 9th for the rematch. They play Regina and Manitoba once each.
Links:
➤ UofA: UofA '23-24 Hockey Schedule
They play Saskatchewan and UBC just once each. They also start the season with four games against expansion teams, i.e. MacEwan and Holy Trinity.
Links:
➤ UofC: Title defence begins Sept. 28
➤ UofC: UofC '23-24 Hockey Schedule
The Mythical Mutants lead the league in news, at least. I have linked the stories on their signings, in addition to the scheduling announcement. The Hockey Blog in Canada has a nice story on their new Record Book. It would be nice if all teams issued this type of thing. They play Mount Royal and Trinity Western just once each.
Links:
➤ MacEwan: MacEwan '23-24 Hockey Schedule
➤ MacEwan re Sam Simard: Griffins net another AJHL captain - Drumheller's Simard - who fills a need as a right-handed centre
➤ MacEwan re Ben Bygrove: Rugged Lloydminster blueliner Bygrove set to add grit to Griffins' defence in 2023-24
➤ MacEwan re Vincent Scott: Canmore captain Scott returns home to join Griffins, bringing speedy offensive game, strong character
➤ MacEwan re Kadyn Chabot: Offensive winger Chabot set to bring his scoring touch from the Saints to the Griffins in 2023-24
➤ MacEwan re Ethan Mercer: Gritty winger Mercer has a national title under his belt and experience from three junior leagues
➤ Hockey Blog in Canada: Be Like MacEwan
The Bluegars did not update their schedule page, but did post the linked story. Their one-time opponents are MacEwan and Trinity Western.
Links:
➤ MRU: Canada West introduces 2023-24 hockey schedule
No stories yet posted by the Banjo-Cats, but the new schedule is up. They face Alberta and Manitoba just once each.
Links:
➤ UofR: UofR '23-24 Hockey Schedule
Like their feline banjo-loving brethren, a schedule is posted, but no stories posted. Their one-time opponents are Calgary and UBC.
Links:
➤ UofS: UofS '23-24 Hockey Schedule
Holy Trinity signed an Austrian international goaltender in Leon Sommer. He played at the World Juniors. Elite Prospects also says they recruited Reid Perepeluk, who formerly played with Prince George and Brandon in the WHL. He turned pro and played in the AHL (2 games) and ECHL (52 games) in 2021-22 and SPHL (2 games) in 2022-23. Their one-time opponents are Mount Royal and MacEwan.
Links:
➤ TWU: TWU '23-24 Hockey Schedule
➤ TWU: SPARTANS ANNOUNCE 2023 CANADA WEST SCHEDULE
➤ TWU: Leon Sommer and Christian Lowe
➤ Elite Prospects: Reid Perepeluk Player Page
Like Regina and Saskatchewan, the T-irds have their new schedule but no stories posted. Their one-time opponents are Calgary and Saskatchewan.
Links:
➤ UBC: UBC '23-24 Hockey Schedule |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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June 24: One More Recruit
It seems that Elite Prospects is the best source for new recruits. For the Bisons, they have announced one departure, namely Zach Patrick (going to Sweden's 2nd tier) and one more arrival.
JOSH PAULHUS - F - Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL)
This Saskatoon native spent his overage season with the MJHL's expansion Niverville Nighthawks last year, and racked up totals of 31-30-61 in 56 games. In 2021-22 his WHL numbers in Saskatoon numbers were just 3-3-6 in 57 games. His signing was not yet announced by the Bisons. This is the 4th reported recruit for the Bisons, two forwards and two defencemen, and two announced by the team and two not. At 5'9" and 181 lbs. he's not as big as the other recruits, but is reportedly one of those quick devious types. Anybody with a potential scoring touch will be welcomed.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Josh Paulhus Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Josh Paulhus commits to University of Manitoba
➤ Regina Leader-Post: Josh Paulhus makes early impact after being called up by Regina Pats
➤ Saskatoon Blades: Blades sign local forward Josh Paulhus : Blades Release 2002-Born Forward Josh Paulhus
It might be easy to fault the Bison recruiting from the Junior A ranks. However, most of the CW does not even have that. Using Elite Prospects (seemingly the most up-to-date source), the Evil Monkeys and Bedrock Dinos have none. The other six teams have:
- Saskatchewan Banjo-Mutts : 8 (five from the WHL and one each from the AJHL, MJHL, and SJHL);
- MacEwan Mythical Mutants : 5 (four AJHL, one SJHL);
- MRU Bluegars : 3 (one each from AJHL, SJHL, and MJHL);
- Holy Trinity : 3 (one Austrian, one BCHL, and one SPHL/WHL grad);
- UBC T-irds : 1 (SJHL);
- Regina Banjo-Cats : 1 (BCHL).
The lack of WHL announcements is unusual. Usually the team websites are quite keen to announce commitments.
Recruitment Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ 49 Sports: 2023 U SPORTS MEN’S HOCKEY COMMITMENTS
➤ USports: Letter of Intent |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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June 24: One More Recruit
It seems that Elite Prospects is the best source for new recruits. For the Bisons, they have announced one departure, namely Zach Patrick (going to Sweden's 2nd tier) and one more arrival.
JOSH PAULHUS - F - Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL)
This Saskatoon native spent his overage season with the MJHL's expansion Niverville Nighthawks last year, and racked up totals of 31-30-61 in 56 games. In 2021-22 his WHL numbers in Saskatoon numbers were just 3-3-6 in 57 games. His signing was not yet announced by the Bisons. This is the 4th reported recruit for the Bisons, two forwards and two defencemen, and two announced by the team and two not. At 5'9" and 181 lbs. he's not as big as the other recruits, but is reportedly one of those quick devious types. Anybody with a potential scoring touch will be welcomed.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Josh Paulhus Career Stats
➤ MJHL: Josh Paulhus commits to University of Manitoba
➤ Regina Leader-Post: Josh Paulhus makes early impact after being called up by Regina Pats
➤ Saskatoon Blades: Blades sign local forward Josh Paulhus : Blades Release 2002-Born Forward Josh Paulhus
It might be easy to fault the Bison recruiting from the Junior A ranks. However, most of the CW does not even have that. Using Elite Prospects (seemingly the most up-to-date source), the Evil Monkeys and Bedrock Dinos have none. The other six teams have:
- Saskatchewan Banjo-Mutts : 8 (five from the WHL and one each from the AJHL, MJHL, and SJHL);
- MacEwan Mythical Mutants : 5 (four AJHL, one SJHL);
- MRU Bluegars : 3 (one each from AJHL, SJHL, and MJHL);
- Holy Trinity : 3 (one Austrian, one BCHL, and one SPHL/WHL grad);
- UBC T-irds : 1 (SJHL);
- Regina Banjo-Cats : 1 (BCHL).
The lack of WHL announcements is unusual. Usually the team websites are quite keen to announce commitments.
Recruitment Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: USports Transfers
➤ 49 Sports: 2023 U SPORTS MEN’S HOCKEY COMMITMENTS
➤ USports: Letter of Intent
- Hollywood2
ty, hollywood |
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July 16: News Round-Up
I thought there would be some news about recruits from the Bisons and/or other CW teams. But no such luck. So here are some stories being saved.
Such as the Manitoba Connection with the Vegas Golden Knights, including two Bisons.
The 2023 players include:
Zach Whitecloud - He's a Dakota Sioux, born in Brandon and started his career with the Virden Oil Capitals in the MJHL.
Keegan Kolesar - He's anther Brandon boy, who was drafted to Seattle of the WHL.
Nolan Patrick - He's a Winnipeg boy, who played with the Brandon Wheat Kings. He never played a game in 2022-23, which is the 2nd season out of six where he was injured the entire season.
Brett Howden - He's from Oakbank, which is where the Ice were supposed to build a WHL-sized arena. He was drafted by Moose Jaw in the WHL.
Mark Stone - He's another Winnipegger who went out to play in Brandon.
Former Knights' players include:
Ryan Reaves - Yet another Winnipegger who got his start with the Wheaties. But no cups for him, as he is off to Toronto.
Cody Eakin - He's another Winnipegger, but he started in Swift Current in the WHL. His NHL travels landed him with the Jets for a brief time, but he's now in Switzerland.
Cody Glass - Another Winnipegger, drafted by Portland in the WHL, and now in Nashville.
Brendan Leipsic - Like Glass, he's a Winnipegger drafted by Portland in the WHL but now in the KHL. He only had a half-season in Vegas.
Adam Brooks - Another Winnipegger who was drafted by Regina in the NHL. He only had 7 games with Vegas, and even had 14 games with the Jets in 2021-22. He played for Lehigh Valley in the AHL in 2022-23.
Off-ice personnel:
Kelly McCrimmon - GM - Though he had the misfortune of being born in Saskatchewan, he escaped to play junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings, where he went on to become GM. In total, he had 32 seasons as player/coach/GM in Wheat City. He also eventually owned the franchise and did not sell until he was two years into his Vegas tenure.
Vaughn Karpan - Director of Player Personnel - He played for the Bisons from 1982-83 to 1984-85 with time off to play for Team Canada in the 1984 Olympics. He then played for the national team through the 1988 Olympics.
Bob Lowes - Assistant Director of Player Personnel - He came from Prince Albert, so he likely needed remedial education. He played for the Bisons from 1985-86 to 1988-89, and was a player/assistant coach in 1987-88. He also coached the Wheat Kings for 9 years.
Broadcasters:
Gary Lawless and Shane Hnidy - They worked for TSN in Winnipeg but moved to Vegas when the Knights entered the NHL. Lawless is not from Manitoba, but Hnidy was born in Neepawa and played for the Atlanta Thrashers before they headed north.
From Jets to Vegas and Back:
Laurent Brossoit - He started in the Vegas net these playoffs before being injured. He played three seasons for the Jets, went to Vegas for two, and is headed back to the `Peg for 2023-24.
Connor Blake is a good golfer, and took a shot at qualifying for the U.S. Open. He won the first level, and fell short in the second.
Links:
➤ MRU: Cougars’ defenseman Blake takes to the links at US Open qualifiers
Holy Trinity has a couple of stories. One on a fund-raiser that brought in $125K and their captain, Travis Verveda, has signed a pro deal in Hungary. He signed with DVTK Jegesmedvék of the Erste Liga.
Links:
➤ TWU: COMPLETE CHAMPION CHALLENGE RAISES $125K FOR NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
➤ TWU: VERVEDA SIGNS FIRST PRO CONTRACT IN HUNGARY
Former T-ird player Matt Revel is coming back to be an assistant coach. He played in Austria last year.
Links:
➤ UBC: T-Bird alum Matt Revel returns as new assistant coach
Former Bison and Regina Cougar defenceman Brady Pouteau has been signed by the Fife Flyers, a Scottish team in the EIHL.
In prior announcements, other CW players to have signed pro contracts are Zac Patrick (Manitoba to Sweden), Brad Schoonbaert (Calgary to Kansas City - ECHL), Jared Freadrich (Alberta to France), Kade Jensen (MRU to Utah - ECHL), and Dawson Davidson (Alberta to Denmark).
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Brady Pouteau's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Zac Patrick's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Brad Schoonbaert's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Jared Freadrich's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Kade Jensen's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Dawson Davidson's Elite Prospects Career Stats |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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July 16: News Round-Up
I thought there would be some news about recruits from the Bisons and/or other CW teams. But no such luck. So here are some stories being saved.
Such as the Manitoba Connection with the Vegas Golden Knights, including two Bisons.
The 2023 players include:
Zach Whitecloud - He's a Dakota Sioux, born in Brandon and started his career with the Virden Oil Capitals in the MJHL.
Keegan Kolesar - He's anther Brandon boy, who was drafted to Seattle of the WHL.
Nolan Patrick - He's a Winnipeg boy, who played with the Brandon Wheat Kings. He never played a game in 2022-23, which is the 2nd season out of six where he was injured the entire season.
Brett Howden - He's from Oakbank, which is where the Ice were supposed to build a WHL-sized arena. He was drafted by Moose Jaw in the WHL.
Mark Stone - He's another Winnipegger who went out to play in Brandon.
Former Knights' players include:
Ryan Reaves - Yet another Winnipegger who got his start with the Wheaties. But no cups for him, as he is off to Toronto.
Cody Eakin - He's another Winnipegger, but he started in Swift Current in the WHL. His NHL travels landed him with the Jets for a brief time, but he's now in Switzerland.
Cody Glass - Another Winnipegger, drafted by Portland in the WHL, and now in Nashville.
Brendan Leipsic - Like Glass, he's a Winnipegger drafted by Portland in the WHL but now in the KHL. He only had a half-season in Vegas.
Adam Brooks - Another Winnipegger who was drafted by Regina in the NHL. He only had 7 games with Vegas, and even had 14 games with the Jets in 2021-22. He played for Lehigh Valley in the AHL in 2022-23.
Off-ice personnel:
Kelly McCrimmon - GM - Though he had the misfortune of being born in Saskatchewan, he escaped to play junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings, where he went on to become GM. In total, he had 32 seasons as player/coach/GM in Wheat City. He also eventually owned the franchise and did not sell until he was two years into his Vegas tenure.
Vaughn Karpan - Director of Player Personnel - He played for the Bisons from 1982-83 to 1984-85 with time off to play for Team Canada in the 1984 Olympics. He then played for the national team through the 1988 Olympics.
Bob Lowes - Assistant Director of Player Personnel - He came from Prince Albert, so he likely needed remedial education. He played for the Bisons from 1985-86 to 1988-89, and was a player/assistant coach in 1987-88. He also coached the Wheat Kings for 9 years.
Broadcasters:
Gary Lawless and Shane Hnidy - They worked for TSN in Winnipeg but moved to Vegas when the Knights entered the NHL. Lawless is not from Manitoba, but Hnidy was born in Neepawa and played for the Atlanta Thrashers before they headed north.
From Jets to Vegas and Back:
Laurent Brossoit - He started in the Vegas net these playoffs before being injured. He played three seasons for the Jets, went to Vegas for two, and is headed back to the `Peg for 2023-24.
Connor Blake is a good golfer, and took a shot at qualifying for the U.S. Open. He won the first level, and fell short in the second.
Links:
➤ MRU: Cougars’ defenseman Blake takes to the links at US Open qualifiers
Holy Trinity has a couple of stories. One on a fund-raiser that brought in $125K and their captain, Travis Verveda, has signed a pro deal in Hungary. He signed with DVTK Jegesmedvék of the Erste Liga.
Links:
➤ TWU: COMPLETE CHAMPION CHALLENGE RAISES $125K FOR NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
➤ TWU: VERVEDA SIGNS FIRST PRO CONTRACT IN HUNGARY
Former T-ird player Matt Revel is coming back to be an assistant coach. He played in Austria last year.
Links:
➤ UBC: T-Bird alum Matt Revel returns as new assistant coach
Former Bison and Regina Cougar defenceman Brady Pouteau has been signed by the Fife Flyers, a Scottish team in the EIHL.
In prior announcements, other CW players to have signed pro contracts are Zac Patrick (Manitoba to Sweden), Brad Schoonbaert (Calgary to Kansas City - ECHL), Jared Freadrich (Alberta to France), Kade Jensen (MRU to Utah - ECHL), and Dawson Davidson (Alberta to Denmark).
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Brady Pouteau's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Zac Patrick's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Brad Schoonbaert's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Jared Freadrich's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Kade Jensen's Elite Prospects Career Stats
➤ Elite Prospects: Dawson Davidson's Elite Prospects Career Stats
- Hollywood2
ty, hollywood. |
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July 21: Bisons Get Another Captain
LUCAS FRY - D - Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
This is another signing announced at Elite Prospects, but not yet at GoBisons.ca. Fry looks like a tall (6'2") and thin (209 lbs) defenceman. He's from Winnipeg, but after a season with Steinbach in the MJHL he went north for three seasons in Flin Flon (one being a 1-game Covid season). He was team captain and led his team to the SJHL final, which followed a decent run in the Centennial Cup in 2022. He only scored one goal, but had 108 PIMs in 54 games last year.
He also had a severe injury situation where a skate blade cut his arm. Hopefully, that is not habit-forming.
This gives the Bisons three new defencemen to go along with three new forwards and one new goaltender. All are from Junior A leagues, in a season where the CW seems to be short on new WHL grads.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Lucas Fry Career Stats
➤ The Reminder: In Our Words: A salute for a downed Bomber captain
➤ Flin Flon Bombers: Bomber Captain, Lucas Fry, Commits to the University of Manitoba
➤ Flin Flon Online: Fry Commits To U of M
➤ Flin Flon Bombers: Lucas Fry Profile
➤ SJHL: Lucas Fry Profile
➤ MJHL: Lucas Fry Profile |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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July 21: Bisons Get Another Captain
LUCAS FRY - D - Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
This is another signing announced at Elite Prospects, but not yet at GoBisons.ca. Fry looks like a tall (6'2") and thin (209 lbs) defenceman. He's from Winnipeg, but after a season with Steinbach in the MJHL he went north for three seasons in Flin Flon (one being a 1-game Covid season). He was team captain and led his team to the SJHL final, which followed a decent run in the Centennial Cup in 2022. He only scored one goal, but had 108 PIMs in 54 games last year.
He also had a severe injury situation where a skate blade cut his arm. Hopefully, that is not habit-forming.
This gives the Bisons three new defencemen to go along with three new forwards and one new goaltender. All are from Junior A leagues, in a season where the CW seems to be short on new WHL grads.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Lucas Fry Career Stats
➤ The Reminder: In Our Words: A salute for a downed Bomber captain
➤ Flin Flon Bombers: Bomber Captain, Lucas Fry, Commits to the University of Manitoba
➤ Flin Flon Online: Fry Commits To U of M
➤ Flin Flon Bombers: Lucas Fry Profile
➤ SJHL: Lucas Fry Profile
➤ MJHL: Lucas Fry Profile
- Hollywood2
ty, hollywood. |
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July 26: Bisons Sign an 8th Junior A Recruit
CAMERON TRIMBLE - F - Neepawa Titans (MJHL)
Here's another signing discovered from Elite Prospects and not yet announced by the Bisons.
Signing number eight makes it four forwards, three defenceman, and a goaltender in the recruiting bin, all from the Junior A ranks. This represents a larger-than-usual turnover. There are still few announcements of WHL players entering the CW. Sask has 8 and TWU has one from a couple years back. Surely there is a flood of unannounced commitments yet to come. Will the Bisons get any?
Trimble is from Gladstone, aka "Happy Rock", and was a fan of Neepawa as a kid. He's not the scoring forward the Bisons need, with 26 goals and 31 assts for 57 points in 94 post-Covid games. He did wear an "A" and also had 117 PIMs. He's only 5'11" and 180 lbs, so I don't know how physical he can be.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Cameron Trimble Career Stats
➤ Brandon Sun: Gladstone’s Trimble signs with Natives
➤ Neepawa Titans: Titans Name New Leadership Group
➤ Neepawa Titans: Player Profile
➤ Videos: Instagram : Facebook : YouTube
ELSEWHERE
Holy Trinity adds each new recruit to the same link, to the top of the list like a pancake. This new announcement is Skylar Cameron, a defenceman from the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL. He's their 4th recruit, and 2nd from Junior A, to go with an Austrian and an ECHL/WHL transfer.
[color=#D2691E] Links:
➤ TWU: Men's Hockey New Recruits
There seems to be more than the usual number of CW departures this season. Former Steinbach Piston Brad Schoenbaert has keft Bedrock U to join the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL. He had four full seasons in the CW, plus the Covid season. He had 53 points in 83 games in those seasons.
[color=#D2691E] Links:
➤ UofC: Schoonbaert signs pro deal in Kansas City |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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July 26: Bisons Sign an 8th Junior A Recruit
CAMERON TRIMBLE - F - Neepawa Titans (MJHL)
Here's another signing discovered from Elite Prospects and not yet announced by the Bisons.
Signing number eight makes it four forwards, three defenceman, and a goaltender in the recruiting bin, all from the Junior A ranks. This represents a larger-than-usual turnover. There are still few announcements of WHL players entering the CW. Sask has 8 and TWU has one from a couple years back. Surely there is a flood of unannounced commitments yet to come. Will the Bisons get any?
Trimble is from Gladstone, aka "Happy Rock", and was a fan of Neepawa as a kid. He's not the scoring forward the Bisons need, with 26 goals and 31 assts for 57 points in 94 post-Covid games. He did wear an "A" and also had 117 PIMs. He's only 5'11" and 180 lbs, so I don't know how physical he can be.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Cameron Trimble Career Stats
➤ Brandon Sun: Gladstone’s Trimble signs with Natives
➤ Neepawa Titans: Titans Name New Leadership Group
➤ Neepawa Titans: Player Profile
➤ Videos: Instagram : Facebook : YouTube
ELSEWHERE
Holy Trinity adds each new recruit to the same link, to the top of the list like a pancake. This new announcement is Skylar Cameron, a defenceman from the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL. He's their 4th recruit, and 2nd from Junior A, to go with an Austrian and an ECHL/WHL transfer.
- Hollywood2[color=#D2691E]Links:
➤ TWU: Men's Hockey New Recruits
There seems to be more than the usual number of CW departures this season. Former Steinbach Piston Brad Schoenbaert has keft Bedrock U to join the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL. He had four full seasons in the CW, plus the Covid season. He had 53 points in 83 games in those seasons.
[color=#D2691E]Links:
➤ UofC: Schoonbaert signs pro deal in Kansas City
ty, hollywood. |
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penguininnevada
Pittsburgh Penguins |
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Location: member of the honor roll, assistant to the assistant manager of the movie theater
Joined: 09.01.2008
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July 26: Bisons Sign an 8th Junior A Recruit
CAMERON TRIMBLE - F - Neepawa Titans (MJHL)
Here's another signing discovered from Elite Prospects and not yet announced by the Bisons.
Signing number eight makes it four forwards, three defenceman, and a goaltender in the recruiting bin, all from the Junior A ranks. This represents a larger-than-usual turnover. There are still few announcements of WHL players entering the CW. Sask has 8 and TWU has one from a couple years back. Surely there is a flood of unannounced commitments yet to come. Will the Bisons get any?
Trimble is from Gladstone, aka "Happy Rock", and was a fan of Neepawa as a kid. He's not the scoring forward the Bisons need, with 26 goals and 31 assts for 57 points in 94 post-Covid games. He did wear an "A" and also had 117 PIMs. He's only 5'11" and 180 lbs, so I don't know how physical he can be.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Cameron Trimble Career Stats
➤ Brandon Sun: Gladstone’s Trimble signs with Natives
➤ Neepawa Titans: Titans Name New Leadership Group
➤ Neepawa Titans: Player Profile
➤ Videos: Instagram : Facebook : YouTube
ELSEWHERE
Holy Trinity adds each new recruit to the same link, to the top of the list like a pancake. This new announcement is Skylar Cameron, a defenceman from the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL. He's their 4th recruit, and 2nd from Junior A, to go with an Austrian and an ECHL/WHL transfer.
- Hollywood2[color=#D2691E]Links:
➤ TWU: Men's Hockey New Recruits
There seems to be more than the usual number of CW departures this season. Former Steinbach Piston Brad Schoenbaert has keft Bedrock U to join the Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL. He had four full seasons in the CW, plus the Covid season. He had 53 points in 83 games in those seasons.
[color=#D2691E]Links:
➤ UofC: Schoonbaert signs pro deal in Kansas City
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July 29: CW RECRUITMENT SUMMARY
I have wondered aloud about the lack of WHL recruits by CW teams so far this off-season. (Everywhere except Saskatchewan, that is.) Also, teams like Alberta and Calgary have no recruits at all. Saskatchewan, MacEwan, and Manitoba have a very high turnover already.
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August 17: CANADAWEST.TV RETURNS AND MACEWAN RECRUITS
I bought my CW.TV pass already. The links are up. The All Access pass is $89.99 and a single sport is $34.99. We'll have to see if the touted improvements materialize. Right now the CW.TV site features the on-demand Ukrainian tour from December-January. I doubt that the Bisons will draw close to 8,000 to any game this year.
Links:
➤ Canada West: 2023-24 Canada West TV passes now on sale
➤ Canada West: Visaic, Canada West Extend Partnership Through 2026
➤ Canada West: CanadaWest.tv
Recruiting announcements across the CW have hit the skids for several weeks now.
MacEwan have, however, announced two transfers and one recruit. They have a goaltender transfering from Concordia (Edmonton), a forward transferring from Carleton of the OUA, and a defenceman from Lloydminster of the AJHL. This gives them about a 50% roster turnover.
The goaltender from Concordia, Eric Ward, was 6-10-1, 4.05 GAA, .868 S%. Those numbers aren't good, but in his Junior A days, over three seasons, he was 47-28-11, 2.72 GAA, .908 S%.
The forward, Liam Ryan, is from Carleton. He never played last year and the year before had no points in 10 games. In three seasons in the BCHL he had 38 points in 88 games. He also had two cups-of-coffee in the WHL. His top offensive season was 2019-20 in the BCHL, where he had 12-9-21 in 51 games. They tout him as a defensive player, which must be true.
The defenceman, Tyson Kowalchuk, comes from the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AJHL. He had 21 points in 56 games and wore an "A" in his final season.
Links:
➤ MacEwan: Concordia transfer Ward adds competition to Griffins' goaltending stable
➤ Elite Prospects: Eric Ward
➤ MacEwan: Carleton transfer Ryan brings experience, character and 200-foot game to Griffins
➤ Elite Prospects: Liam Ryan
➤ MacEwan: Talented St. Albert D-man Kowaluk joins Lloydminster Bobcat teammate Bygrove on Griffins
➤ Elite Prospects: Tyson Kowalchuk |
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August 18: Bisons Sign a Newfoundlander
BRANDON CASEY - D - Edmundston Blizzard (MJAHL)
I found out this signing not from Elite Prospects' list of confirmed transfers, but from their Bison roster page where I noticed a new name popping up. This happened before with Cameron Trimble (they did list him on the USports transfers on August 16th).
Born in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland, he has played junior hockey in Rimouski (QMJHL), St. John (QMJHL), Grande Prairie (AJHL), and Edmundston (MJAHL). This follows a stint in high school at Newbridge Academy in Nova Scotia. So once he plays in Manitoba, he will have covered a majority of provinces (6).
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Brandon Casey Career Stats
➤ Edmundston Blizzard: Blizzard obtains defenseman Brandon Casey
➤ Saltwire: Grand Falls-Windsor native Brandon Casey named to Rimouski Oceanic
➤ MHL: Player Profile |
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August 21: Bisons Make It Official and News From Edmontown
The Bisons made it official with respect to three signings previously posted in this thread. The players are Lucas Fry, Brandon Casey, and Cameron Trimble.
It appears that nobody has roster pages up yet, except for Elite Prospects where only new recruits are listed. There also seem to be a higher than usual amount of departures conference-wide. The Bisons have lost Zach Patrick (7th defenceman, frequently dressed as 4th line forward) and now Brett Davis (leading scorer and all-star).
Also, the Bisons are the only CW team without a pre-season schedule posted. Thus far, they do not have games on Sept 8-9 announced by another team.
Links:
➤ GoBisons.ca Men's hockey announce commitment of Lucas Fry, Brandon Casey & Cameron Trimble
The Mythical Monsters keep going with recruiting announcements. They have signed Eduard Wruck, a native of North Vancouver who last played for the OCN Blizzard (MJHL). He has also played for Port Alberni (BCHL), Steinbach (MJHL), and Weyburn (SJHL). He's a defenceman who, in 93 games of Junior A, has 7 goals and 32 assists. They tout him as a big body, but he has very few PIMs.
Links:
➤ MacEwan: Griffins' goal of getting grittier continues with addition of OCN Blizzard product Wruck
➤ Elite Prospects: Eduard Wruck
- "dm8895, post: 191352157, member: 248975"[MEDIA=spotify]episode:0CcQtBAIzrERUdWP4mmmIC[/MEDIA]
[MEDIA=spotify]episode:6B3v7WI36Xiisbeho1sxhp[/MEDIA]
Ian Herbers and Stan Marple on Oilers Now.
Part one and two .
I’m a bit of a McDavid fanboy so I listen to Bob’s show quite often .
[/QUOTE]
I listened to the interview and there were a few highlights, which cast light on the lack of WHL recruiting announcements.
- A lot of 2-year AHL deals are being offered to WHL grads. This "tips the scales" for a lot of players who in the past would have been hesitant to forego their scholarship cash.
- There was very little on new recruits, and it sounds like irons are in the fire but it is not like it used to be. Even a year ago. There was also discussion about there being more Junior A recruits now and in the future.
- They might have a recruit from Mexico!
IMO, you could add that remote learning makes it possible to cash your scholarship while playing pro. I wonder how many players might end up doing this.
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August 26: The Remparts Are Back!
The Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMRSJ) (in English, Royal Military College Saint-Jean) is back and is in the RSEQ's new Division 2. It is always good to see a program revived.
CMRSJ had operated a Rec League team since the school was revived in 2008. Their team site has nothing newer than 2020-21 player photos, so who knows if they were even in the Rec Leagues last year. The RSEQ site does not show them in last year's college competition, either. Elite Prospects lists them as "not active".
The school did play high-level inter-university hockey from 1953-54 to 1961-62 and then again from 1965-66 to 1969-70. They were in the Ottawa-St. Lawrence Conference (OSLC), which competed for the University Cup once it was established. The OSLC was merged with the Quebec-Ontario Athletic Association (QOAA) and the Ontario Intercollegiate Athletic Association (OIAA) when all three conferences were realigned along provincial lines in 1971 into the Quebec Universities Athletic Association (QUAA) and Ontario Universities Athletic Association (OUAA). The QUAA changed names to become the QSSF and then the RSEQ, and the OUAA became the OUA in 1998.
It is good to see Quebec and B.C. trying out different methods to promote scholastic hockey in their provinces.
Links:
➤ Fandom/Wikia: Team Page
➤ CMRSJ: Team Website
➤ RSEQ: Team Profile
➤ Wikipedia: Royal Military College Saint-Jean |
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August 30: We have a score!
CONCORDIA STINGERS 5
ASIAGO HOCKEY 1935 8
Links:
➤ Concordia: Schedule & Results
➤ Asiago Hockey: Team Website
I saw this on the OUA website, however they had it scheduled for September 1st. I could not find a game story nor summary for this one. Asiago is an Italian team in the ICEHL, which is mostly Austrian (formerly called the EBEL). Asiago has three former USports players: Giordano Finoro (Guelph Gryphons), Randy Gazzola (UNB Reds), and Justin Fazio (Queen's). |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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September 1: Mythical Mutants Defeat Evil Monkeys
 
MACEWAN GRIFFINS 5
ALBERTA GOLDEN BEARS 3
Links:
➤ Summaries: LeagueStat : CW
➤ UofA: Team Website
➤ MacEwan: Roster Page
➤ Media Access Roster Pages: MacEwan : Alberta
Quick Summary
Mac: V. Scott (03:36 2nd) , K. Gable (02:27 3rd) , E. Strang (10:13 3rd) , K. Chabot (17:19 3rd) , S. Simard (19:47 3rd)
Alta: N. Boyko (17:58 1st) , A. Hall (07:41 3rd) , J. Kendall (12:14 3rd)
Goal: Mac: Abel (19 shots, 18 saves), Davis W (21 shots, 19 saves); Alta: Kruger (11 shots, 10 saves), Bennett L (12 shots, 9 saves)
How about that! There are no game stories anywhere, however the U of A uploaded rosters, stats, and summaries to LeagueStat and the Hockey Tech system on the CW site, which appears to have survived the updated CW website.
The good thing about the roster pages is that we can see who has arrived and departed. The Monkeys’ website has no new roster page, but the LeagueStat media access page has new rosters for both.
Departed Monkeys (7)
- Carter Wolski
- Nolan Volcan
- Matt Berlin
- Ryan Hughes
- Matt Fonteyne
- Dawson Davidson
- Jared Freadrich
New Monkeys (5)
- Alex Thacker - Lethbridge/Victoria (WHL)
- Noah Boyko - Prince George/Edmonton (WHL)
- Mason Ward - Brandon/Swift Current (WHL)
- Jacob Herauf - Concordia (OUA) via Victoria (WHL)
- Jacob Kendall - Red Deer (ACAC) via Sherwood Park (AJHL)
Departed Mutants (12)
- Cameron Trott
- Daniel Baker
- Zach Webb
- Neithan Salame
- Elijah Brown
- Curtis Roach
- Nic Correale
- David Kope
- Cameron Reagan
- Kobe Mohr
- Merritt Oszytko
- Shawn Parkinson
New Mutants (9)
- Eric Ward - Concordia (ACAC) via Drumheller (AJHL)
- Ben Bygrove - Lloydminster (AJHL)
- Tyson Kowaluk - Lloydminster (AJHL)
- Eduard Wruck - OCN (MJHL)/Weyburn (SJHL)
- Kadyn Chabot - Spruce Grove/Drayton Valley (AJHL)
- Ethan Mercer - Flin Flon (SJHL)/Olds (AJHL)
- Liam Ryan - Carleton (OUA) via Nanaimo (BCHL)
- Vincent Scott - Canmore (AJHL)
- Samuel Simard - Drumheller (AJHL)
I’ll be delving into all teams’ arrivals and departures once all rosters are out.
NEXT UP
Sat Sep 2 Alberta at MacEwan EX 8:00 MDT
Sat Sep 2 Waterloo at EVL Landshut EX 5:00 ECT
Sun Sep 3 Waterloo at Ravensburg Towerstars EX 5:00 ECT
Sun Sep 3 Concordia at Klagenfurt EX 11:30 am EDT |
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kicksave856
Philadelphia Flyers |
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Location: i love how not saying dumb things on the internet was never an option.
Joined: 09.29.2005
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