The legendary Nate Thompson, after an astounding 844 NHL games, is calling it a career. Thompson dropped the bombshell during an epic episode of the Empty Netters Podcast.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" src="https://youtube.com/embed/kUHc-YuPFOU" start="0"></iframe></div>Let's dive into the stats and reminisce about Thompson's extraordinary journey. Coming straight outta Anchorage, Alaska, this hockey prodigy spent an incredible 14 seasons in the NHL, making a lasting impression wherever he played. And oh boy, did he leave his mark in Winnipeg during the 2020-21 season! Thompson was all fire, tearing it up in 44 games, notching two goals and dishing out three assists. Talk about a true sports dynamo!But rewind the clock back to 2003 when the Boston Bruins spotted his raw talent and drafted him in the 6th round. From there, Thompson polished his skills during four solid seasons with Seattle in the WHL. The AHL welcomed him in the 2004-05 season when he suited up for the Providence Bruins, rocking the rink with his awe-inspiring performance in 11 playoff games.Fast forward to the big leagues; Thompson made his NHL debut in the 2006-07 season, and he never looked back! During the 2012-13 lockout, he returned to his Alaskan roots, lighting it up with the Alaska Aces in the ECHL. Thompson was like a hockey nomad, playing for an astounding nine NHL teams! From Boston to New York, from Tampa Bay to Anaheim, Ottawa, Los Angeles, Montreal, Philadelphia, and finally, Winnipeg. Thompson sure knew how to make an impact, no matter the team.And let's not forget his time in the Peg! Thompson's heart and soul were in Winnipeg, and he wore the number 11 jersey like a true warrior. That number holds a special place in the hearts of the Jets and Manitoba Moose fans, honoring the iconic Rick Rypien.As we say farewell to this hockey maestro, we can't help but be grateful for the countless memories he's given us. Nate Thompson, you're an inspiration to us all, and your impact on the sport will live on for generations. So here's to you, Nate! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, and may you continue to be an ambassador for the game we all love.

Nate Thompson Announces His Retirement

<h2>The best of the worst - but don't be alarmed...</h2>A report from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="OntarioBets.com">OntarioBets.com</a> ranked Winnipeg Jets fans 28th among the most engaged fanbases in the NHL.This news, while concerning, is some of the least troubling news regarding the Jets’ fan support published this year.In February, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman visited Winnipeg to meet with Jets owner Mark Chipman, amid record-low attendance averages at Canada Life Centre.At that time, the Jets were five points behind Vancouver for first-place in the Western Conference, with four games in hand. Despite the team’s play, the Jets were averaging around 13,400 per home game—only 87 per cent of the rink’s full capacity.In the past three seasons, the Jets’ season ticket sales have dropped 27 percent. A trend that Chipman said was “not going to work over the long haul.”Despite the suggested cause for alarm, it was Bettman who issued the Jets’ faithful a sigh of relief. “I know there was skeptics and critics suggesting doom and gloom. I don’t buy that. We believe in this market and this is a great place for hockey. It’s a great place for an NHL team,” said Bettman.After Chipman’s unsettling comments, he was quick to refute with a different perspective, acknowledging that Winnipeg is the NHL’s smallest market.“We knew this going in. That’s what I love about what we do, is that knowing all of that, we still get to compete. I have to say I’m proud of how we’ve done that,” Chipman said. I learned yesterday that since the year we started this, there’s no other market in Canada whose fans have watched more wins at home than our fans have.”These past few seasons have been some of the hardest financially for Manitobans. Grocery prices and interest rates are quite possibly at the highest points some Jets fans have seen in their lifetime - something the OntarioBets.com report did not consider.So, Jets fans, no need to push the panic button yet. Chipman is hopeful season ticket sales will start to climb, and the Jets' faithful remain eager to cheer on a team coming off a record-setting regular season in 2023-24.*The report scored teams based on social media following, percentage of home seats filled, and Reddit’s general fan rankings.

New Report Lands Jets Fans in the Basement of Most-Engaged NHL Fanbases

<h2>EVASON BACK WHERE HE BELONGS FOLLOWING BLUE JACKETS' HIRING</h2>Dean Evason is the newest head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.Monday afternoon, the Blue Jackets issued a press release announcing that the 59-year-old Flin Flon, MB. native with more than 25 years of coaching experience would become the 11th head coach in franchise history.&nbsp;The hiring of Evason to a multi-year contract came just over a month after former Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent was fired after one year overseeing the team, which saw his squad finish last place in the Metropolitan division with a 27-43-12 record (66 points).&nbsp;A press conference formally introducing Evason as Columbus’ next bench boss was held at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday morning.“The one thing that Dean really brought to the table that I really believe after being here for a month and a half that we needed was the passion, the structure, and the process that he's going to put in place to make the players accountable,” said Don Waddell, recently-hired Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager. “We felt like we have some good young players to go with our veterans, but we needed a better structure, and that’s what Dean provides.”Evason, who coached the Minnesota Wild for parts of the past five seasons, helped the ‘state of hockey’ gather an impressive 147-77-27 record (.639 points percentage) through 251 games behind the bench before being fired and replaced in November 2023 by former Nashville Predators head coach, John Hynes.Although Evason’s coaching tenure with the Wild never translated to much postseason success, as his club never advanced past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, he was responsible for giving the Wild a clear identity: well-structured and stingy defensively. This identity implemented by Evason helped Minnesota outwork teams by causing turnovers through relentless pressure on the puck and physicality.“Our team will play with great detail and great structure, but we’ll also give them the opportunity to be creative in the offensive zone and through the neutral zone,” said Evason when asked about the system he will employ in Columbus. “The game is made of mistakes; you have to build your system to allow the players to make those mistakes and still give them a chance to have success.”That style of play is what benefited highly-skilled and creative offensive players such as Kirill Kaprizov, whom Evason helped solidify as one of the top talents in the National Hockey League.His ability to get the best out of his players in Minnesota did not go unnoticed. In 2021, Evason was recognized as a finalist for the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the NHL’s coach of the year. In 2022, he also finished fourth in voting for the same acknowledgment.“It's my job and the coach's job to get the best out of the team to play hard every night, and I have no doubt that we will do that, and we will do that very quickly,” said Evason.&nbsp;The Blue Jackets are certainly one of the teams in the NHL that most people define as being in the ‘rebuild’ stage, but Evason still expects successful results this upcoming season.“We’re here to win hockey games,” said Evason. “I have huge expectations of myself and what I do, and I take great pride in that, and I look forward to bringing that passion, that desire, that drive, to the Columbus Blue Jackets.”Prior to his coaching stints in the Western Hockey League (Kamloops Blazers, 1999-2002, Vancouver Giants, 2002-2004, and Calgary Hitmen, 2004-2005), American Hockey League (Milwaukee Admirals, 2012-2018), and NHL (Washington Capitals, 2005-2012, Wild, 2019-2023, and Blue Jackets, current), Evason was a player in the NHL.&nbsp;Drafted in the fifth round, 89th overall, by the Capitals in the 1982 NHL Draft, Evason played in the NHL for 13 seasons, spending time with the Capitals, Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames. He played a total of 803 games and recorded 139 goals, 233 assists, and 372 points, along with an astonishing 1,002 penalty minutes. But Evason’s inability to lift the 131-year-old trophy during his 13 years as a player is what keeps him motivated as a head coach.“There’s 32 jobs in the National Hockey League; as a head coach, it’s not lost how special this is and how appreciative I am for this opportunity,” said Evason. “I had a passion to lift the Stanley Cup with my skates on. That's not going to happen. But I have this opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup with a suit on. That's my desire. That's my drive. That's why I'm sitting here.”Although the goal of climbing the Stanley Cup Playoff mountain might not be reached immediately for Evason and his Blue Jackets, the future ahead is indeed bright. Under Evason, players like Adam Fantili, Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov, Kent Johnson, Cole Silinger, David Jiricek, Manitoba product Denton Mateychuk, and the most recent 5th overall pick, Cayden Lindstrom, will all be given opportunities to succeed with the organization moving forward.Evason has proven on many occasions that he is a great coach for emerging talents; he showed that most recently with the Wild and players like Kaprizov, Boldy, and Eriksson Ek. Combining all that youth with the established veteran group of players like Johnny Gaudreau, Zach Werenski, Boone Jenner, and their most significant add in free agency, Sean Monahan, the Blue Jackets could be a team to look out for years to come.Evason said it best: “The foundation is set here; it just needs to be built upon.”Columbus’ first taste of regular season action on October 10 against the Wild will also be their coach’s first chance at revenge, as Evason’s Blue Jackets will prepare to take on the team that fired him last year.

Dean Evason Announced as Blue Jackets' Head Coach

<h2>Hockey Manitoba announces 20 scholarship recipients following the 2023-24 season</h2>Hockey Manitoba released the list of exceptional student-athletes who will receive one of 20 scholarships this year.Each of these students has displayed tremendous qualities in leadership, discipline, and a commitment to academic achievement.Get to know this year’s scholarship winners below as they continue their journey next year into various post-secondary institutions.ORVILLE ACRES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Female Recipient) – $1,000 Recipient: Raylyn Kosowski – DauphinRaylyn Kosowski spent last season with the U18 Grand Plains Female Ice Dogs of the Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League. In her spare time, she enjoys refereeing, and volunteering with local groups like Regional Connections, Under One Roof, Dauphin and District Food Bank, and the Dauphin Friendship Centre. Kosowski maintained high marks in her four years at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School. &nbsp;BILL ADDISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Rayan Sprott – BoissevainRayan Sprott played hockey with the Boissevain/Souris Broncos this past season, but “hockey player” is one of many roles Sprott plays over the course of a year. Sprott also enjoys volleyball and baseball—helping his high school to a MHSAA Provincial Title in June. Sprott was a member of his high school’s student government, also involving himself with Boissevain Minor Hockey, helping coach the U15 program.GEORGE ALLARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,500 Recipient: Paige Fontaine – WinnipegPaige Fontaine of College Jeanne-Sauve in Winnipeg spent last season with the U18 St. Vital Chill. Paige maintained a high level of academic excellence in her time at CJS and is fluent in both the English and French language. Paige has spent her free time volunteering at the Saint-Boniface General Hospital, helping coach and evaluate female hockey in Winnipeg, and working as a lifeguard and swim instructor.RALPH BORGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Tanner Kelbert – WinnipegTanner Kelbert co-captained the U18 AA Winnipeg Twins this past season, where he led his team in scoring throughout the regular season and post-season. He attended Linden Christian School, where he carried a 96 per cent average into his final semester. His involvement in his school community did not go unnoticed, playing a big role with Linden Christian’s Graduation Committee.BOB CALDWELL SCHOLARSHIP - $750 Recipient: Parker Rolston – WinnipegParker Rolston balanced U18 AAA hockey with the Winnipeg Thrashers and academic life—finishing every year at College Churchill High School on the honour roll with distinction. Parker was a volunteer coach with the U13 Winnipeg Twins AA team, and also volunteers his time as a referee in an annual outdoor tournament hosted in his community. He has volunteered at the Festival du Voyageur every year as a high school student, and helped fundraise for both his school’s graduation ceremony and the Hockey Academy,&nbsp; where he was a member for years.ALBERT E. HORSEMAH “ABBIE” COO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Quinn Sutherland – WinnipegQuinn Sutherland has spent her past six years as a student at St. Mary’s Academy—playing last season with the Flames Prep team. Quinn maintained honours status every year attending SMA, playing a role in several school clubs. In summer of 2022, she was accepted into the FBI Academy—a program that involved students across Canada and the United States. Quinn will continue her career next season at the University of Regina.TODD DAVISON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000 Recipient: Hannah Reagh - BinscarthBinscarth, MB’s Hannah Reagh captained the Female U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs this past season, leading her team in scoring—averaging over a point per game. She’s volunteered with the Yellowhead Junior Chiefs Camp and has helped out with CanSkate sessions in the area. A multi-sport athlete, Hannah was a member of her school golf team, also competing in badminton and track-and-field. Hannah was a part of the student council and received a citizenship award for Park West School Division.R.A. “SAM” FABRO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Mia McGregor - WaskadaMia McGregor of Waskada was an assistant captain on the Female U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs this past season, where she finished third in scoring. She received the Proficiency Award in grades 9-11 at Waskada School, and finished on the honour roll from grades 9-12. Mia has volunteered her time tutoring other students on spares, cleaning up community yards, helping elders cut grass, planting trees, fundraising, and helping with community barbecues.JACK FORSYTH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000 Recipient: Benjamin Friesen – GrunthalBenjamin Friesen spent his final year of minor hockey with the U18 Grunthal Red Wings. Aside from being the president of his student body at Green Valley School, volunteering at Grunthal’s Breakfast Club program and the local food banks, Benjamin created “Food House”—A food donation initiative where donors would box up groceries for people in need. Benjamin maintained a minimum average of 92 per cent in each of his final four years at Green Valley.TRUDY GALLOWAY MEMORIAL BURSARY – $750 Recipient: Landon Reid – Pine FallsLandon Reid spent this past season with the Powerview/Sagkeeng Wild in the WHSHL. He is the definition of a multi-sport athlete, also playing volleyball, badminton, lacrosse, baseball, curling, and golf—he captained many of these teams. He also enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and is a Level 3 referee. Landon maintained a 93 per cent average throughout his time in high school.IAN HEATHER SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Eros Bazan – WinnipegEros Bazan was part of the St. Paul’s Crusaders championship run last season. Eros has achieved honour roll in every semester at St. Paul’s, and has a track record with volunteering in his community. Eros lends his free time to Brightwater Senior Living, Manitoba Harvest, the Fogolar Association of Winnipeg, and more. He also provides snow removal and childcare services around his neighbourhood.NICK HILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000 Recipient: Callum Carnegie – WinnipegCallum Carnegie played the 2023-24 season with the U18 AA Winnipeg Twins, where he co-captained with Ralph Borger Memorial Scholarship recipient Tanner Kelbert. Callum is a Level 3 referee who spends additional spare time mentoring younger officials, he has also helped in skill development with the NHL/NHLPA First Shift program. He enjoys baseball as well, playing AA ball as a catcher. Callum helps spread his knowledge of calculus by tutoring fellow students.&nbsp;JERRY KRUK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $1,000 Recipient: Christopher Herman – WinnipegChristopher Herman captained the St. Paul’s Crusaders championship-winning team this past season. The multi-sport student-athlete also plays golf and volleyball. Christopher was involved with the St. Paul’s Student Council, directing their student retreat. He has donated his time to local middle schools, Tennis Manitoba, as well as Winnipeg Harvest and the Christmas Cheer Board. Christopher helped coach the Winman Volleyball Club as a volunteer and played a role volunteering with the Special Olympics.SHELDON LANCHBERY SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Zenith Vanstone – MiamiZenith Vanstone was an assistant captain this past season with the U18 AAA Pembina Valley Female Hawks. The Miami, MB product finished with a 96 per cent average in grade 12 at Miami High School. Zenith is always happy to volunteer her time, playing a vital role in in her school, community, and sports world. She is a passionate, strategic planner who has highly respected by her peers. Zenith will further her hockey career next season at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in Alberta.BUCK MATIOWSKI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipient: Reese Boguski – DauphinReese Boguski of Dauphin is one of three scholarship recipients from the Female U18 AAA Yellowhead Chiefs this year. Reese managed a 93 per cent average in grade 12 at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School, where she faced a vigorous course load. Reese has volunteered in spring and fall camps with the Yellowhead Female Chiefs for the past three years, also lending her time to the Parkland Humane Society and Elections Manitoba.JIM STIRLING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – 3 x $500 Recipients: Jaedys Dancyt, Mackenzie Waddell, Cassidy BodnarykJaedys Dancyt – Lac du BonnetLac du Bonnet’s Jaedys Dancyt spent last season with the U18 Pinawa Panthers. At Lac du Bonnet Senior School, Jaedys maintained a 95 per cent average over the past two years. He has served as an assistant captain with the Pinawa Panthers for the past two seasons and, according to his coaches, is a very coachable athlete. He volunteers with minor hockey in his community, as well as the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby. He also helped raise funds for breast cancer during a community event.Mackenzie Waddell – Grande PointeMackenzie Waddell spent last season with the Female U18 AAA Eastman Selects, donning the ‘A’ for her team in her final season. In her senior year at College Lorette Collegiate, Mackenzie maintained a 95 per cent average, additionally volunteering with the Grad Committee, school newspaper, and C.L.C.’s Hockey Academy—where she has helped younger students develop their skills.Cassidy Bodnaryk – WinnipegCassidy Bodnaryk was a member of The Rink Hockey Academy’s Female U18 team this past season. Cassidy achieved honour roll with distinction in all four of her years at Shaftesbury High School—an impressive feat considering her demanding hockey schedule. Cassidy donated time to the Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Rink Training Centre. She is participating in the Asper Internship program through the Asper School of Business and University of Manitoba.W. F. TAYLOR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipients: Cassidy Lesage – Ste. AnneCassidy Lesage spent last season with the Female U18 AAA Eastman Selects, where she was an assistant captain. Considered a tremendous leader around her school, Cassidy maintained a 95 per cent average at École Pointe-des-Chênes in her senior year. “What truly sets Cassidy apart is her unwavering integrity, kindness, and genuine concern for others. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her teammates, classmates, and community members, embodying the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and service.”DIANNE WOODS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipients: William Banman – NivervilleWilliam spent the 2023-24 season with the U18 Niverville Clippers, where he was an all-star nominee and silver medalist at the Hockey Manitoba Provincials. William’s academic efforts are exemplary, as he maintained a 96 per cent average in his senior season. In his spare time, William participated in the Steinbach Regional Secondary School Math Club and the Reach for the Top Team.&nbsp;HOCKEY MANITOBA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – $750 Recipients: Cami Murray – PiersonCami Murray was a member of the U18 Southwest Stars in 2023-24. In her past three seasons with the club, Cami finished among the top of the league in points—she also captained the Stars for the past two seasons. At Pierson School, Cami maintained a 95 per cent average in grade 12. Cami donates her time once a week to the Breakfast Club program, and works at the local Co-op.“The game of hockey provides many teachable moments and some equally valuable life lessons. In addition to the on-ice experiences and enjoyment, Hockey Manitoba and its partners recognize the importance of a strong educational foundation, and each year awards twenty (20) post-secondary scholarships to graduating student member athletes.In an effort to continue to acknowledge outstanding contributions, Hockey Manitoba has chosen to name many of its scholarships after the following outstanding members to leave a lasting legacy in their honor.”To learn more about the recipients and donors of these scholarships, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hockeymanitoba.ca/23-24-hockey-manitoba-scholarship-winners/">click here</a>.

Hockey Manitoba Announces 2023-24 Scholarship Recipients

<h2>Local Products earn invites to national summer program</h2>Eight Manitobans have been invited to participate in Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence summer camps.National Junior Team Summer Showcase: Carson Bjarnason, Carter Sotheran&nbsp;National Men's Summer U18 Team selection camp: Peyton Kettles, Cole Temple&nbsp;National U17 development camp: Carson Carels, Jaxon Jacobson, Brek Liske, and Peyton ShoreGame On's Jackson Bachewich examines each player's case for a spot on his respective Hockey Canada program. Those individual write-ups can be found below:Carson Bjarnason - World Juniors Summer ShowcaseCarberry, MB6’3” 202 lbsGoaltenderRegular Season Stats (Brandon Wheat Kings): GP: 46 SV%: .907 GAA: 3.01Former Teams: Southwest Cougars, Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg U16 PrepNHL Draft: Round 2, #51 Overall, 2023 (Philadelphia Flyers)&nbsp;Carson Bjarnason will have to battle for his spot on Canada’s 2025 World Junior roster after being left of the selection camp roster last season. Bjarnason has been named to the World Junior Summer Showcase roster, one of four goaltenders to play for Canada at the event.&nbsp;Other Goaltenders: Carter George, Owen Sound, OHL (Los Angeles Kings); Scott Ratzlaff, Seattle, WHL (Buffalo Sabres); Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George, WHL (2025 draft eligible).&nbsp;It came as a surprise when the 6-foot-3 netminder was left off the selection camp roster last summer, after being the first Canadian backstop taken off the board in the 2023 NHL Draft. Despite this, Bjarnason posted career-bests in goals against average (3.01) and save percentage (.907) last season.Bjarnason has dealt with adversity before. After going undrafted at the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft and being selected with the last pick (that was not passed up) in the 2020 MJHL Draft, Bjarnason made the Brandon Wheat Kings' roster as a training camp invite.Bjarnason has had a solid WHL career on a consistently mediocre and fringe playoff Wheat Kings team. Brandon is expected to make a big jump over the next few seasons and could host the Memorial Cup in 2026 with Bjarnason being the backbone of the squad.&nbsp;He will have to battle for a starting role, most likely with Buffalo Sabres pick Scott Ratzlaff, who Bjarnason has outdueled in the past at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.&nbsp;Bjarnason has played for Canada twice before, winning gold at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and bronze at the 2023 World Under-18s.Carter Sotheran - World Juniors Summer ShowcaseSanford, MB6’3” 198 lbsDefence&nbsp;Regular Season Stats (Portland Winterhawks): GP: 66 G: 13 A: 27 PTS: 40Former Teams: Pembina Valley Hawks U15, U18 PrepNHL Draft: Round 5, #135 Overall, 2023 (Philadelphia Flyers)Sotheran will be entering his third season with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL next season and will be looking to make a bigger name for himself in the coming months.&nbsp;Sotheran will look to put on a good show later this month and possibly pave his way onto Canada’s World Junior roster, though it looks like a longshot. He’s a right-handed shooting defenseman, something that is wanted in today’s game, and is an all-around player willing to do whatever it takes to win.With team Canada’s D-corps filled up with first round talent such as Oliver Bonk, London, OHL (Philadelphia Flyers), Zayne Parekh, Saginaw, OHL (Calgary Flames), Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary, WHL (Ottawa Senators), and Sam Dickinson, London, OHL (San Jose Sharks), Sotheran will look for a depth role maybe squeaking in as the seventh or eighth defenceman.Peyton Kettles - National Men's Summer U18 Team selection campWinnipeg, MB6’4” 185 lbsDefenceRegular Season Stats (Swift Current Broncos): GP: 61 G: 2 A: 11 PTS: 13Former Teams: Winnipeg Sharks, U15, U16, U18 Rink Hockey Academy WinnipegNHL Draft: 2025 Draft eligible&nbsp;Kettles is one of five WHL defencemen who will compete for a spot on Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which starts in Edmonton on August 3rd when Canada opens its tournament against Czechia.This is the second time the Winnipeg native has had an opportunity to represent his country, after appearing in seven games for Canada Red at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Prince Edward Island.Cole Temple - National Men's Summer U18 Team selection campBrandon, MB5’10” 152 lbsCentre&nbsp;Regular Season Stats (Regina Pats): GP: 57 G: 6 A: 13 PTS: 19Former Teams: U15, U18 AAA Brandon Wheat Kings&nbsp;NHL Draft: 2025 Draft eligibleThe 16-year-old centre from Brandon will most likely put on the maple leaf for the second time in his career, after suiting up for Team Canada White at last year's Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He put up a respectable two goals and six points in eight games in PEI last November, but he will look to make a jump not only with Canada but also his WHL club.In his first full season with the Pats, Temple put up 19 points in a sometimes sheltered role. With the season ahead looking rough for Regina, Temple will look to make his mark in his NHL Draft eligible season.&nbsp;Jaxon Jacobson - National U17 development campBrandon, MB5’9” 161 lbsCentre&nbsp;Regular Season Stats (U18 AAA Brandon Wheat Kings/Brandon Wheat Kings)U18 AAA: GP: 57 G: 6 A: 13 PTS: 19WHL: GP: 35 G: 37 A: 69 PTS: 106Former Teams: U15, AAA Brandon Wheat Kings, Team Manitoba (WHL CUP, Brick Invitational)&nbsp;NHL Draft: 2027 Draft eligibleJaxon Jacobson will look to continue his amazing run that has been the past year. Jacobson was selected by his own father in the first round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, and made his WHL debut last season, leaving quite the mark. He put up six points in seven games, while scoring two goals in his western league debut against the WHL champion Moose Jaw Warriors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jacobson did all of this while leading his U18 AAA Wheat Kings to the TELUS Cup Final with an absurd 106 points in 35 games.He will join his Wheat Kings teammate Giorgos Pantelas at the U17 development camp and is a lock to be a part of the 2024 Under-17 Hockey Challenge.Brek Liske - National U17 development camp:Beausejour, MB6’0” 181 lbsDefence&nbsp;Regular Season Stats (Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Prep/Everett Silvertips):&nbsp;U18 Prep: GP: 27 G: 11 A: 21 PTS: 32WHL: GP: 3 G: 1 A: 1 PTS: 2&nbsp;Former Teams: U15 AAA Eastman Selects, Northern Alberta Xtreme U15/U18 Prep, Team Manitoba (WHL CUP, Brick Invitational)NHL Draft: 2026 Draft eligible Everett’s 2023 10th overall pick and Beausejour native Brek Liske will attend the U17 development camp alongside Jacobson. Liske impressed with his play in Alberta this season earning an opportunity with the Silvertips late in the year.&nbsp;A big strong skater, Liske is an all-around defenseman who can play in all situations and looks to be a strong contributor for Canada in the coming years.&nbsp;Liske was a big part of the Team Manitoba that won the 2023 WHL Cup putting up four points in five games and playing a shutdown role on the back end.&nbsp;Peyton Shore - National U17 development camp:Winnipeg, MB6’1” 161 lbsGoaltenderRegular Season Stats (Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg U17 Prep)GP: 15 SV%: .932 GAA: 2.48Former Teams: U15 AAA Winnipeg Wild, Rink Hockey Academy Winnipeg U15 Prep, Team Manitoba (WHL CUP)NHL Draft: 2027 Draft eligiblePeyton Shore put on a show for Team Manitoba at the 2023 WHL Cup and was the main reason they captured the gold medal. The 100th overall pick by the Red Deer Rebels in the 2023 WHL Bantam Draft stopped 53 shots in the final game against Alberta along with another seven in the shootout.Shore has made a name for himself since last year's draft and looks to be a bright spot in a weak pool of young Canadian goaltenders.Carson Carels - National U17 development campCypress River, MB&nbsp;6’0” 165 lbsDefenceRegular Season Stats (Pilot Mound Hockey Academy U17/Prince George Cougars):&nbsp;U17 Prep: GP: 27 G: 18 A: 32 PTS: 50WHL: GP: 7 G: 0 A: 3 PTS: 3Former Teams: Pilot Mound Hockey Academy U15, Team Manitoba (WHL CUP)NHL Draft: 2027 Draft eligibleYet another standout from the 2023 WHL Cup, Carels was named MVP of the tournament after leading all defenceman with three goals and five points. Carels earned a seven-game stint in Prince George, impressing at the WHL level. He will look to make the team out of camp this season.

Eight Manitobans Invited to Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence Summer Camps

<h2>AN ALL-OR-NOTHING SEASON AWAITS HEINOLA FOLLOWING TWO-YEAR EXTENSION</h2>The Winnipeg Jets announced they have come to terms with defenceman Ville Heinola on a two-year, one-way contract worth an average annual value of $800K.&nbsp;It’s no secret the 23-year-old has failed to maintain a roster spot with the Jets over the course of his professional career. This is likely why Heinola opted to sign a one-way contract with the club, instead of accepting his qualifying offer that was above $800K but set with two-way conditions.&nbsp;Drafted 20th overall by Winnipeg in 2019 and only having played 35 games with the Jets across four seasons, the Honkajoki, Finland product’s tenure with the team thus far has been nothing short of bizarre. He came out of the gate hot following his draft, putting up five points in eight games for the Jets, among them his first National Hockey League goal against Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins.Heinola made it difficult for Paul Maurice (Winnipeg’s head coach at the time) to take him out of the lineup, but GM Kevin Cheveldayoff didn’t want to burn a year off his entry-level contract (ELC). So, the Jets chose to send him back to Finland, where he spent the majority of the season with Lukko in the Finnish Elite League.From 2021 to 2023, Heinola grabbed just six assists in 22 games played with the Jets, albeit with limited ice time. But in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose, Heinola’s offensive prowess shined, as he racked up an impressive 63 points through 89 games.This past season, the left-shot defenceman showed well for Winnipeg in the fall with a steady training camp, but then broke his ankle in an awkward collision along the boards during the last preseason game against the Ottawa Senators. Heinola’s injury kept him on the sidelines for a large portion of the season, and when he fully recovered, he played the remainder of the season with the Moose, collecting 27 points in 41 games.It was a tough pill to swallow for Heinola, considering the fact that head coach Rick Bowness even admitted he would have made the Jets’ final roster in October, and he never ended up playing even one game for the Jets last season. Now that he is no longer exempt from waiver claims made by the other 31 organizations, Heinola’s chance to be a full-time contributor on the Jets roster is now or never.With Brenden Dillon leaving the club en route to New Jersey via free agency, there's a big void to fill on that left side. It’s likely Dylan Samberg will get an increased role on the blueline, and will need to step up to play top-four minutes. But there is a spot for Heinola to step into the third pairing on the left side, where he will likely play with veteran Colin Miller.&nbsp;Considering Winnipeg only signed depth defenceman Haydn Fleury and Dylan Coghlan (acquired from Carolina for future considerations) so far this offseason, Heinola’s chances of finally cracking into the six-man unit on the backend seem likely.The internal competition between Logan Stanley, Heinola, Coghlan, and Fleury will be something to keep a close eye on come training camp in the fall, but as of right now, it appears as though Heinola’s upside gives him the inside track to landing that final spot on the defence corps.If this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs proved anything about the Jets’ defencemen, it’s that they need to move the puck quicker. Colorado outclassed Winnipeg every game because of its aggressive forecheck, a playstyle the Jets were never able to overcome. They turned over pucks, hesitated under pressure, and allowed too many high-danger chances.Heinola’s specialty on the blueline is his puck-moving abilities. He moves the puck out of the defensive zone quickly to counteract other teams’ aggressive forechecks, translating quickly from defence to offence. Hindsight is always 20/20, but it wouldn’t have hurt to give a defenceman like Heinola a shot in the postseason, given his set of skills transitioning the puck north.More Moves Coming?After Winnipeg’s tame free agency, a big question surrounding the team was whether or not it would make more moves. In his July 1 media availability at Canada Life Centre, Cheveldayoff emphasized throughout his interview that the current roster construction should not be treated as the lineup heading into the fall.Cheveldayoff has always been someone open to exploring all potential options in order to upgrade his team, but it seems as though he may be more active on the trade front. If Cheveldayoff comes to the conclusion that internal additions are not enough for the blueline to be successful, he may look to other teams for help. Rutger McGroarty is a prospect that’s been out there on the trade market for a while now, and if he were to be shipped out along with other assets for a defenceman, it may hold back Heinola from stepping into the lineup.There's still lots of offseason ahead, which makes Heinola’s chances of reaching the opening-day lineup fairly unpredictable.Heinola’s RunwayWhen Heinola has played with the Jets, his stints on the ice were very brief. This is because whenever he’s made a mistake on the ice, he’s paid for it by being scratched the next game.Looking back on his last couple of stints with Winnipeg, it’s noticeable that his playstyle has shifted to a bit more of a passive game. This is likely because if he makes a mistake, he’ll be sent back to the press box for it. The reality is that if the Jets want Heinola to become the player they know he is capable of becoming, they need to give him more runway.Heinola is an offensive defenceman. Part of his responsibility is jumping up in the rush when possible to create offence from up high. In past situations, when other teams have taken advantage of him being caught up in the rush, he hasn’t had the opportunity to learn from it and continue playing. The hope is that with a new coaching staff surrounding newly-promoted head coach Scott Arniel, Heinola will get more opportunities to learn from his offensive decision-making.Overcoming NHL SizeAs a 6-foot, 180-pound defenceman, Heinola’s size serves as one of his biggest flaws. As good as his offensive abilities are, he’s struggled to defend in contested areas, such as in front of the net. With how good Connor Hellebuyck is between the pipes, players are going to be looking to cause some chaos in front of the net. A large part of improving Heinola’s defensive game will depend on his ability to efficiently box out opposing players, keeping them out of dangerous scoring areas.Heionla may not be the biggest player on the NHL surface - in fact, he actually may be the smallest - but if he can overcome his size deficiency with his speed, it will go a long way toward defensive success. &nbsp;Adding Offensive PunchHeinola has shown many times throughout his career that he has tremendous offensive potential, but it's just a matter of executing those skills at the NHL level. If he can adapt his offensive instincts to the NHL and take some of the weight off Josh Morrissey’s shoulders, his value to the club would dramatically increase.Other than Morrissey, there are not many defencemen on the Jets’ blueline that can produce offensively. Dylan Samberg and Dylan Demelo are both defensive defencemen, and Neal Pionk has struggled to produce consistently the past three seasons. If Heinola can bring more points to the table for Winnipeg’s defence corps, that would be crucial for their offence, something that was lacking in the playoffs against the Avalanche after Game 1.&nbsp;Another poor aspect of the Jets’ 2023-2024 season was their powerplay. Morrissey obviously holds the reins on the first power play unit, but Heinola’s chances of making the opening-night roster are way higher if he can be trusted to oversee the second unit - a position up for grabs with the departure of Nate Schmidt, and the fumbled bag left by Pionk.If Heinola can help produce on the powerplay, the second unit may be given more minutes than past years, which would help balance out player minutes more evenly and keep the Jets’ top players fresh.Barring any injuries, at $800K for the next two seasons, Heinola’s on-ice abilities could provide another high-value signing to this Jets squad if he is presented with a fair opportunity.

Ville Heinola Inks Two-Year Deal With Winnipeg

<h2>Colby Barlow Earns World junior camp invite</h2>Winnipeg Jets’ top prospect Colby Barlow will be heading to Team Canada’s World Junior Championship summer evaluation camp in Windsor, ON. from July 28 to 31.Barlow is the lone Jets prospect to be invited to a World Junior camp so far, as other participating nations reveal their rosters. Jets’ second rounder Alfons Freij was not invited by Sweden.&nbsp;Team Canada will be playing an intersquad scrimmage before playing USA, Sweden, and Finland in Windsor.&nbsp;Barlow is no stranger to the maple leaf and the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence, having been a part of the U-17 and U-18 levels, most recently having success at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championships, winning three golds and one bronze medal.At the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Barlow put up two goals and three assists in five games en route to a gold medal. Then, at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship, he captained Canada to a bronze medal, playing six games with three goals and one assist.It’s looking like Barlow will return to Owen Sound of the Ontario Hockey League next season, where he battled injuries this past year. He still put up very respectable numbers in 50 games played, with a 40-goal campaign and another 18 assists.He is a born goal scorer, and as a 19-year-old prospect, Barlow still has plenty to work on, but his release and goal-scoring ability is something that has already translated over to the AHL and hopefully the NHL.Barlow still ranks as one of the Jets’ top prospects despite a weird season after his draft. He suited up for three AHL games with the Manitoba Moose after his season ended with Owen Sound, putting up one goal and two assists, looking very promising while doing so.Seeing an improvement in his skating and his playmaking ability would make an immense difference between making the NHL roster and getting sent back to Owen Sound for the 2025/26 season.He is a near lock for 30-40 goals a season, but an assist drop-off from 36 to 18 over the last two seasons is a touch concerning.&nbsp;Despite his offensive talents, Barlow’s spot in the World Junior lineup is not guaranteed by any means, as Canada will have to strategize its roster after a disappointing fifth place finish last January.

Jets' Top Prospect Colby Barlow Invited to Team Canada’s World Junior Summer Camp

<h2>MJHL Says goodbye to annual draft, announces showcase with sjhl</h2>This past week, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League announced the elimination of its annual player draft.The decision gives young prospects the freedom to select which of the 13 MJHL clubs they would like to play for, when eligible.The league indicated the decision puts ownership on the 13 partner clubs, which will each be challenged to make their program more attractive to newcoming players.This announcement comes after multiple rule changes over the last few years which have given players more freedom.Last July, the league announced draftees could sign with another MJHL club after two years of U18 eligibility. Given the direction of player freedom across the league, the termination of the player draft seemed inevitable.“Nobody was surprised by it obviously,” Steinbach Pistons head coach and general manager Paul Dyck told The Carillon. “It’s been part of the discussions between governors and GMs etc. for a number of months already.”The MJHL announced the following regarding 2007 and 2008-born draftees as well as 2009-born prospects:“Going forward beginning with 2009-born Manitoba prospects: Eligible to sign with any member MJHL team beginning for the 2025-26 season.2023 MJHL Draft (2007s): Any auto-protect / draft pick who remains unsigned by the team they were drafted by will be eligible to sign with any other MJHL team as of August 1st, 2024.2024 MJHL Draft (2008s): Any auto-protect / draft pick who remains unsigned by the team they were drafted by will be eligible to sign with any other MJHL team as of August 1st, 2025.”MJHL clubs had the opportunity to auto-protect local prospects prior to the start of the MJHL Draft. There has been no announcement on protection for local prospects under the league’s new system.MJHL / SJHL Showcase Dates for 2024-25&nbsp;The MJHL and SJHL will team up again this season to put their best talent on display during two showcase events in the 2024-25 season.The first showcase will be held in Warman, Saskatchewan in early November. The MJHL says the showcase “…will act as an elite identification camp for the upcoming 2024 World Junior A Challenge.”The second event is the MJHL – SJHL showcase being held at the end of January 2025 in Winnipeg. The showcase will display 60 elite prospects from each league, who will be split into three teams of 20, competing against each other. One of three teams will feature prospects 18 and younger, while the other two teams will feature players 20 and under.“These events will be heavily attended by NHL, NCAA, Major Junior and university programs from across North America and will be another important step for MJHL and SJHL athletes in attracting the attention of the many scouts / coaches that will be in attendance,” the MJHL said in its official press release.“We look forward to continuing to build on the success of joint events with the MJHL. We are very pleased to be able to provide these collaborative opportunities for our elite players,” said SJHL commissioner Kyle McIntyre.Further details regarding these events are to come in the following months.

MJHL Terminates Player Draft, Announces Joint Showcase with SJHL 

<h2>Eleven mJHL standouts laced up with the pros last week</h2>Manitoba’s hockey community was well represented last week, as 11 current and former players of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League attended NHL development camps, league-wide.Nine NHL teams welcomed at least one MJHL player to their development camps, which are held annually in July for team draft picks, signees, and free agent invitees to prove their skills and abilities on the ice. Of the 11 MJHL players who attended the week-long camps, only three prospects are NHL draft picks (Adam Ingram, Warren Clark, and Connor Geekie), and only two played the 2023-2024 season in the MJHL (Dalton Andrew and Nathan Brown).&nbsp;Below is the full list of MJHL players that attended NHL development camps:&nbsp;Matt Radomsky (Steinbach Pistons) - Calgary FlamesBriley Wood (Neepawa Titans) - Colorado AvalancheRiese Gaber (Dauphin Kings/Steinbach Pistons) - Florida PanthersAdam Ingram (Selkirk Steelers) - Nashville PredatorsDalton Andrew (Winkler Flyers) - Pittsburgh Penguins&nbsp;Warren Clark (Steinbach Pistons) - Tampa Bay LightningConnor Geekie (Virden Oil Capitals) - Tampa Bay LightningKyle Bettens (Steinbach Pistons) - Toronto Maple LeafsDawson Cowan (Winnipeg Blues) - Toronto Maple LeafsBrett Mirwald (Waywayseecappo Wolverines) - Vancouver CanucksNathan Brown (Niverville Nighthawks) - Winnipeg JetsNetminder Matt Radomsky spent three seasons with the Steinbach Pistons from 2016 to 2019. In that 82-game span, Radomsky averaged an impressive .925 save percentage and a 1.98 goals against average. He also helped lead the Pistons to the Turnbull Memorial Trophy in 2018, where he posted a .915 save percentage in the post-season.After playing in Steinbach, Radomsky spent three seasons in the NCAA with College of the Holy Cross before eventually heading to the Calgary Flames’ ECHL affiliate, the Rapid City Rush this past season. In 41 games, the Winnipeg product gathered a 16-22-2 record, posting an .889 save percentage and a 3.91 goals against average.Briley Wood collected 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in only 39 games with the Neepawa Titans through the 2022-2023 season. This past season, the 6-foot-3, 187-pound right-shot forward played in the WHL with the Wenatchee Wild, where he finished the season at a point-per-game pace with 62 points in 60 games.&nbsp;Gilbert Plains’ Riese Gaber spent two full seasons in the MJHL from 2016 to 2018. Although most of his MJHL tenure was with the Dauphin Kings, Gaber was shipped off to the Pistons halfway through the 2017-2018 season. In 24 games with the Pistons in the regular season, he gathered 11 goals and 27 points. Gaber also grabbed 10 points in 15 playoff games to help Steinbach win the Turnbull Cup against the Virden Oil Capitals.After spending four very productive seasons with the University of North Dakota’s Fighting Hawks, Gaber is now set to begin his pro career, where he will spend the upcoming season with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.Adam Ingram’s stint in the MJHL was very brief. Ingram only played eight games during the 2020-2021 season due to the shutdown from the COVID-19 pandemic, and he grabbed seven points in that span. After playing one season in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms, where he tallied 55 points in just 54 games, Ingram’s now spent the past two seasons in the NCAA with St. Cloud University. Ingram was also drafted by the Nashville Predators in the third round, 82nd overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.&nbsp;Dalton Andrew is coming off the best season of his hockey career. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound forward led the entire MJHL in scoring this past season, racking up 43 goals and 82 points in just 54 regular-season games. Andrew then posted 14 points in 15 post-season games, helping the Winkler Flyers defeat the Steinbach Pistons in the final to collect their first Turnbull Cup in 26 years. The 20-year-old from Brandon will now be joining the University of North Dakota for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.Riverside, ON. product Warren Clark collected 38 points in 55 games with the Steinbach Pistons during the 2022-2023 season, his only year spent in the MJHL. Clark spent this past season with the NCAA’s St. Cloud University, grabbing three helpers in 31 games. After development camp with the Lightning, Clark will look forward to another season with St. Cloud.Drafted by the Utah Hockey Club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) 11th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Connor Geekie tallied one goal and three assists in nine games during his short time with the MJHL’s Virden Oil Capitals. Since then, the 196-pound centreman has spent the past four seasons in the WHL, playing for the Winnipeg Ice/Wenatchee Wild and Swift Current Broncos. Geekie was recently traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning from Utah as part of a package to acquire star defenceman Mikhail Sergachev.Having attended development camp in Toronto with the Maple Leafs, 23-year-old forward Kyle Bettens produced 26 points the last two seasons with the NCAA’s University of Minnesota-Duluth. Bettens played in the MJHL from 2018-2020, when he accumulated 85 points in 89 games played with the Steinbach Pistons. In his first season with the Pistons, Bettens also put up 11 points in 12 post-season games. After his time in Steinbach, he also played in the USHL for two years, which was split between the Omaha Lancers and Youngstown Phantoms.Warren, MB.’s Dawson Cowan is one of the youngest players on this list. The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder between the pipes only played 14 games in the MJHL during the 2021-2022 season with the Winnipeg Blues, posting a winning record of 6-5 along with a .890 save percentage. The 18-year-old then transitioned to the WHL, playing five games with the Winnipeg Ice before playing 71 games across two seasons with the Spokane Chiefs, where he gathered a record of 26-36-3 with an .891 save percentage.&nbsp;Another netminder attending an NHL development camp last week was 20-year-old Brett Mirwald with the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver’s scouting staff would have been able to see a lot of the Saskatoon, SK. product because he’s spent the last two years with the Vancouver giants of the WHL. Across 81 games with the Giants, Mirwald posted a respectable 38-31-7 record, which was also complemented by a .912 save percentage on a fairly mediocre team. Flashback to his brief stint with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines in the MJHL: Mirwald was able to strike an even 7-7 record in the regular season and finish above the .900 save percentage mark with a .904.&nbsp;Born in 2006, Nathan Brown is titled as the “youngster” on this list. Committed to St. Cloud State University for the 2025-2026 season, Brown will look for another successful year in the MJHL with the Niverville Nighthawks. Brown was the 19th pick in the second round of the June 2022 MJHL draft, and this past season, he racked up 14 goals and 32 points as an 18-year-old. From Winnipeg, MB., Brown would have been able to learn what it takes to be a professional athlete after being invited to attend development camp with his hometown team, the Jets.

MJHL Stars Earn Opportunities at NHL Development Camps 

<h2>Bryan Little has swapped his skates and helmet for a bike, runners and bathing suit</h2>After 12 productive seasons in the National Hockey League, Bryan Little understood it was time to hang up the skates for good.Although it was a tough decision for Little to retire from hockey, it presented him with an opportunity to pursue a new athletic passion — triathlon.&nbsp;“I kind of found out about triathlons through YouTube,” said Little in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.guelphtoday.com/pursuit/puslinch-man-takes-on-triathalons-following-pro-hockey-retirement-9105137">a piece written for Guelph Today</a>. “Canadian Lionel Sanders had a popular YouTube video channel, and I thought it looked really cool and would be something cool to try.”Little’s interest in the endurance-based multi-sport competition of swimming, cycling, and running began before retirement, but he couldn't pursue anything because of his commitments to professional hockey. Although there was one exception.“I actually did my first sprint triathlon in Guelph when I was still playing hockey,” recalled the Edmonton native.Growing up in Cambridge and now living on a two-acre property in Puslinch, ON., Little figured he could eventually make something of his triathlon intrigue.“I was kind of hooked,” Little <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.guelphtoday.com/pursuit/puslinch-man-takes-on-triathalons-following-pro-hockey-retirement-9105137">said in the Guelph Today story</a>. “I decided that when I was done playing, I would kind of get into it a bit more and train for it seriously.”And he didn’t know at the time, but the day Little was done playing hockey would come much sooner than he would have expected.November 5, 2019, ended up being the last game of Little’s NHL career after he sustained a perforated ear drum injury as a result of a puck to the ear, caused by a deflected slap shot from former teammate Nikolaj Ehlers.<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/23549984_1479110865472207_7382903037033864028_o.jpg">“One of the things that was the toughest about it was that I felt fine,” Little shared in the piece. “It was just the unpredictable nature of what happens if I get hit really bad again. That was kind of the thing that kept me from playing again, and believe me, I saw a lot – I saw three or four specialists, and none of them recommended playing contact sports again.”Little, 36, played a total of 843 games in the NHL, all for the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets 2.0 franchise, where he posted 217 goals and 304 assists for a total of 521 points. Little was eventually traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022 and will officially retire as a member of the Utah Hockey Club following his recent contract expiration.General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said at Jets development camp this past weekend that the opportunity to have him return to the Jets on a one-day retirement contract is certainly a possibility."We'll get a chance to talk to Bryan at some point here," he said. "He's a special part of our organization and always will be."Little’s playing career certainly didn’t end as he would have liked, but he still looks back positively on his 12 years in the professional sport.“I got to live my dream,” Little said. “It was my dream to play in the NHL as a kid, and it's all I ever wanted, and I got to play 12 seasons of it and have a decent career and put up some points and goals.”<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/49270413_1966241840092438_2954159625236119552_n.jpg">With hockey in the rear-view mirror, Little has been training part-time with Guelph’s LPC Triathlon Club.“It is really different from the training I did for hockey,” Little said. “I always kind of wanted to get into the endurance stuff because it was so different than what I did before. I like how it's so different and the training is so different. It's almost kind of meditative when you're out there by yourself.”Finishing in fourth place at the Milton Subaru Triathlon last month, Little has gotten off to a strong start this season, placing the best time among all amateurs.Little was also the top amateur last year in the Guelph Lake II Triathlon during Labour Day Weekend, where he finished second overall, only trailing Guelph pro triathlete Taylor Reid.“I don't really have any goals in terms of that I want to come this place or this place,” admitted Little to Guelph Today. “I just want to see how good I can get at pushing myself. I love just trying to improve on something I'm not very good at, so I'm going to keep doing it and keep trying to improve as much as I can and see where it goes.”Little also only competes in one or two triathlon events per month.“I'm pretty much a stay-at-home dad right now,” said Little. "I told my wife when I was done (with pro hockey) that I would. This is kind of secondary — it's a hobby.”On July 14, Little will be competing in Geneva, N.Y. for his main triathlon event of the year, the Ironman 70.3 Musselman.

Former Jets Forward Bryan Little Remaining Active Following NHL Career  

<h2>A look back on wheat kings import draft history</h2>The Brandon Wheat Kings selected Slovakian defenceman Adam Belusko with their first-round pick (41st overall) in the 2024 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.The 5-foot-11 Belusko, played for Slovakia at the U18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in both 2022 and 2023 along with an appearance in this year's U18 World Championship.The left-shot blueliner had 13 assists in 11 games with Reprezentacia SR U18 this season, and six assists in six games with the U20 club Kosice.Belusko will now join a new-look experienced Wheaties D-corps including Luke Shipley, former WHL Bantam Draft first rounder Quinn Mantei, Rhett Ravndahl, and recent Columbus Blue Jackets second round pick Charlie Elick.&nbsp;Belusko is expected to come over to Brandon next season and may be competing for a spot with rookies including their 2023 first round pick Giorgos Pantelas and 2022 third rounder Emerson Clark.Belusko will be expected to provide some extra experience with overage defenceman Andrei Maliavan being waived by the club after two seasons.&nbsp;This year's Import Draft featured the reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian players, who were made eligible to be selected again for the first time since 2021.A Look Back at Past Wheat Kings Import DraftsIn past years the Wheat Kings have hit it out of the park with their import picks - some coming over to Wheat City and some deciding to stay in their country to play out their junior careers.&nbsp;Ivan Provorov (first round, 30th overall, 2014) - Career Stats GP: 122 G: 36 A: 98 PTS: 134An all-time fan favorite in Wheat City spent two seasons with the club before being selected seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by ex-Wheat King and former Flyers GM Ron Hextall.Provorov proved to be a key part in the Wheat Kings team that won the 2015/16 WHL Championship before falling short in the Memorial Cup in Red Deer.&nbsp;The now 27-year-old has had a solid NHL career with both the Flyers and now the Blue Jackets, putting up 249 points in 614 games. His best NHL season came in his second year where he registered 41 points in 82 games.Jiri Patera (second round, 104th, 2018) - Career Stats GP:89 SV%:.913 GAA:2.95 46-32-5-4The first ever European goalie in franchise history, Jiri Patera hasn’t stopped pushing his way up the ranks since leaving Brandon.&nbsp;Patera took over the crease after the departure of two of the best in franchise history: Jordan Papirny and Logan Thompson. He had a great two seasons with the Wheaties before joining the same franchise Thompson did, the Vegas Golden Knights.Drafted by Vegas in the sixth round the year before coming over to Brandon, Patera has proven himself to be quite the professional goalie. Appearing in eight career NHL games to this point in his career with a .902 save percentage, Patera has spent most of his pro career with the Henderson Silver Knights and has put up great numbers on a weaker AHL team.&nbsp;Patera most recently signed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks and will look for some time in the NHL next season.Rihards Bukarts (first round, 7th overall, 2013) - Career Stats GP:192 G:92 A:98 PTS:190Another fan favorite in Brandon, Rihards Bukarts came over from Latvia and was a part of some very exciting Wheat Kings teams.&nbsp;Bukarts played parts of three seasons in Brandon putting up very good numbers playing with the likes of Ryan Pulock, Jayce Hawryluk, Tim McGauly, John Quenneville and was on the 2015/16 championship team before being shipped to Portland 10 games into the season.&nbsp;It wasn't an easy decision, as then-GM Kelly McCrimmon had to decide on who to keep and let go out of Brandon's four overagers. McCrimmon elected to keep 2014-15 WHL Eastern Conference Player of the Year Tim McGauly.&nbsp;Bukarts never turned pro in North America but has had quite the career played between Russia, Czechia, Germany, Austria and Switzerland's top leagues. Bukarts also regularly suits up for the Latvian National team with his brother Roberts Bukarts.Toni Rajala (first round, 14th overall, 2009) - Career Stats GP:60 G:26 A:37 PTS:63Playing one season in Brandon, Rajala was a huge part of the 2010 Wheat Kings team that hosted the Memorial Cup at the Keystone Centre featuring the likes of Brayden Schenn, Mark Stone, Matt Calvert, Colby Robak and Micheal Ferland.Rajala returned to his home country of Finland after the 2009/10 Memorial Cup loss, after being selected in the fourth round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.&nbsp;Rajala never ended up playing in the NHL, playing one season in North America split between the ECHL (38 points in 29 games) and the AHL (45 points in 46 games). Rajala was one of the most skilled players to ever come through Brandon, but has played the last eight seasons in Switzerland with Biel HC.&nbsp;Rajala also played three years for Finland at the World Juniors Championship between 2009 and 2011 and suited up in the Olympics for Finland in 2022.Brandon has also taken longshot picks on players who never came over to Brandon but did turn pro.&nbsp;A few of those players include:Erik Brannstrom (first round, 44th, 2018)Ottawa Senators, Colorado AvalancheCareer NHL Stats - GP:266 G:7 A:62 PTS:69Thomas Vanek (first round, 25th, 2001)Buffalo Sabers, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue JacketsCareer NHL Stats - GP:1,029 G:373 A:416 PTS:789Oliver Kylington (first round, 60th, 2015)Calgary Flames, Current Unrestricted Free AgentCareer NHL Stats - GP:201 G:17 A:38 PTS:55Martin Kaut (first round, 24th, 2017)&nbsp;Colorado Avalanche, San Jose SharksCareer NHL Stats - GP:56 G:6 A:5 PTS:11

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