2023-24 Manitoba Bisons Hockey

[Hollywood]

June 14, 2023

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 : History and Records : Media Access : LeagueStat Daily
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 - 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

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

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

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

RSEQ (Division 2) Team Sites:
Concordia Stingers Division 2 (Elite Prospects)
ETS Piranhas - Google Translate
UQAC Inuk - Google Translate

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

...

[Hollywood]

More links ...

Online video/audio:
CanadaWest.tv - YareTV link
OUA YareTV link
AUS YareTV link
UMFM.com - some Bison home games
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
CISblog.ca
Independent Sports News
Hockey Scene - AUS
Ryerson Rams Hockey Alumni
AcadiaAxemenHockey.com
RedmenHockey.com (McGill)
Hockey Blog in Canada (includes Manitoba)
The Manitoban (student paper)
The Varsity (Toronto student paper)
Game On Magazine
Stadium Journey
Livesport
Flashscore
Huskie Fan (Saskatchewan fan site)
49 Sport

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

[Hollywood]

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.

[Hollywood]

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), Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS), and Universite du Quebec a 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 UniversitE du QuEbec a Chicoutimi and the Ecole de technologie supErieure.  ...

"[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 Element. "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, Ecole de technologie supErieure (ETS), and UniversitE du Quebec a 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-dela du hockey (Google Translate)

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)

[Hollywood]

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

MANITOBA
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

ALBERTA
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


CALGARY
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

MACEWAN
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

MOUNT ROYAL
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

REGINA
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

SASKATCHEWAN
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

TRINITY WESTERN
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

UBC
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

[Hollywood]

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

[Hollywood]

June 30: Bisons Get a Goalie & Forward

The Bisons announced the recruitments of Kian Calder and Josh Paulhus (both previously disclosed at Elite Prospects, and posted above) and a new goaltender and forward (neither yet disclosed at Elite Prospects, or elsewhere).


KOLBY THORNTON - G - Aurora University Spartans (NCAA III)

Goaltending was a weakness for the Bisons last season, ranging from poor to mediocre. All three goaltenders had a stint being the "hot" guy. Hopefully, Thornton (a returning Winnipeg boy) is the answer. He has good numbers. He started junior with the Neepawa Natives (MJHL), moved to the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), and then landed with the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL). He has collected accolades everywhere he went:

2018-19: MJHL Rookie of the Year with Neepawa Natives;
2019-20: Chilliwack Chiefs' community service award;
2020-21: Only played two games due to Covid lockdowns;
2021-22: AJHL Goalie of the Year and Lloydminster Bobcats' Team MVP;
2022-23: NCHA All-Conference and All-Second Freshman Team with Aurora University.

In his final season of junior, his numbers were 26-13-2, 3.15 GAA, and .913 S%. In university his numbers were a comparable 12-4-1, 3.36 GAA, and .915 S%.

For good measure, he also made the Dean's list in 2022 and 2023. So those Mike Ridley Scholarships seem likely.

Links:
> Elite Prospects: Kolby Thornton Career Stats
> GoBisons.ca: Men's hockey announce commitment of award-winning goalie Kolby Thornton
> AJHL: Kolby Thornton Selected as CJHL Top Goaltender Award Finalist
> CJHL: AJHL announces 2021-22 award finalists
> Lloydminster Bobcats:   Kolby Thornton Commits to Aurora University : AJHL:  Kolby Thornton Commits to Aurora University
> Aurora U: Athletes of the Week


RILEY ZIMMERMAN - LW - OCN Blizzard (MJHL)

Here's another MJHL team captain. He's 6'0" and 205 lbs. and comes from Winnipeg, though he played his whole junior career up in OCN. He was a point-per-game player in the MJHL, but that seldom translates into CW scoring prowess. The team still needs a WHL grad who can score. He actually looks bigger than a mere 205 lbs., kind of like Dustin Byfuglien. Hopefully, he can hit! The linked story from GoBisons.ca covers him and Josh Paulhus.

Links:
> Elite Prospects: Riley Zimmerman Career Stats
> GoBisons.ca: Bisons hockey add offensive flair with signing of Niverville MVP Josh Paulhus, OCN captain Riley Zimmerman


The Bisons officially announced the commitment of Kian Calder, and that story is linked. He's another honour roll student! My post from June 14th has his various links.

Also, the Herd's regular season schedule is now posted. No announcements of pre-season games from them. All we have is that game at UND.

This week's announcements give the Bisons one complete unit of three forwards, a defence pairing, and a goaltender. Saskatchewan is the only team with confirmed (albeit by Elite Prospects, not the team) WHL recruits thus far.

Links:
> GoBisons.ca: Men's hockey announce commitment of MJHL standout Kian Calder
> GoBisons.ca: Schedule & Results

[Hollywood]

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.

[Hollywood]

Does this work?