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The Edmonton Oilers are bringing back defenceman and Ochapowace First Nation product Ethan Bear on a two-year, $4 million deal.
The 23-year-old former Yorkton U18 AAA defenceman scored five goals and added 16 assists in 71 games last season for the Oilers.
He was selected 124th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
"Ya every player wants to play pro hockey one day, and I believed this was a great opportunity for me and it gets me closer to my goal of playing in the NHL and with the Thunder their Head Coach Bruce Ramsey used to play against and Coach my dad Jeff so there was a relationship already there with him and I'm happy to join the Thunder."
The Moose Jaw product began his pro career back last Friday night and during that game he was able to score his 1st pro goal in the Thunder's 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers.
"It was pretty exciting, obviously a lot of nerves and you don't know what to expect going in because you've never played a pro game before, but ya it was nice to get on the scoresheet but more importantly we got the win so that was nice."
Before Petruic headed down to Kansas to begin his professional career, he began his 2020/21 campaign playing Senior hockey with the Highway Hockey League's Raymore Rockets where he had 6 points in 2 games.
Petruic and the Thunder return to action on Boxing Day when they visit the Kansas City Mavericks.
Full Chat with Petriuc below:
For the first time in almost 20 years, a Yorkton product will suit for Team
Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
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Korczak chats about his selection to Team Canada below:
Just over a month ago, they weren't sure if they were going to get a chance to play their 2020/21 NCAA hockey season, but for former Yorkton Terrier Regan Seiferling (pictured above) and the Rochester Institute Technology Tigers, they are excited to get back to playing competitive games.
At the end of October, the RIT brass announced they would be cancelling all winter sports because of the pandemic, but after some discussions between university and the hockey team they came to an agreement and they rescinded their decision allowing hockey to begin their season safely.
"It's definitely exciting to get back to playing, obviously there is no fans and that's kinda different, but it was just nice to play games after practicing for like 3 months that gets pretty tiring," Seiferling said in a phone interview.
It was extra special and exciting for the Moose Jaw product to return to the ice as he is entering his Senior season with the Tigers, something that can hardly believe has already come.
"Ya time has flown by, it seems just like yesterday that I was finishing up my 3rd season in Yorkton and I was getting ready to head down here for the first, but I loved my time in Yorkton and that organization did a lot for me and helped me not only develop into a better play, but into a better person as well."
Seiferling played in 160 career games in the SJHL with the Terriers compiling 19 goals and 70 assists for 89 points.
The Tigers who sit with a 2-1-1 record through their first 4 games, will entertain Long Island University for a pair games this Friday and Saturday.
Full chat with Seiferling below:
Tarrington Wyonzek, who grew up in the Yorkton and Canora area will have the chance to officiate on the World Hockey stage later this month.
The 28 year old was chosen to work as a linesman at the upcoming 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship in Edmonton, scheduled for December 26 to January 5, assuming there are no changes due to COVID.
"I'm really excited, the World Juniors is one of the highest level IIHF events and during these times of uncertainty I'm just glad that I get a chance to work this event and proud to represented not only my province and my country but my hometown as well", Wyonzek said in a phone interview.
Wyonzek says there's a process they have to go through before they are allowed in the Edmonton bubble.
"Well currently I'm in a quarantine period at home here in Regina, and then I need three negative tests to come back to even get to travel to Edmonton, and then when we get there we quarantine in the hotel again and we need three more negative COVID test before we are allowed in."
Wyonzek adds right now the focus is on the World Juniors' but like any official the end goal for him is to get a shot at officiating in the National Hockey League one day.
Full audio with Wyonzek below:
The MJHL's Swan Valley Stampeders are collecting non-perishable foods, good used winter jackets, winter boots, mitts, toques, and toys for the local Swan Valley Community families in need.
All the way until Tues. Dec 8th there will two spots for drop off: at the Star and Times Newspaper in Swan River from 8AM to 5PM on Monday to Friday and the Stampeders Hockey office at the Centennial Arena where you can leave at the outside office door.
Meanwhile for curbside pickup at any local address you can call or text Head Coach/GM Barry Wolff at 1-604-250-9145
