TISDALE — The Tisdale Trojans are hard at work building their roster for next season.
The squad is eligible to return many of the young skilled players that went 6-35-3 last season while learning the ropes of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League. It played some of its best hockey late in the season with three victories and one overtime losses coming after January. Only defenceman Cole Barry and goalie Cody Wilson age out. Some Trojans will move on to the junior level, such as leading goal scorer and points getter Pavel McKenzie, who recently committed to play for the Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
To that talented group, which has displayed resiliency in the face of adversity, the Trojans are adding talent and some experience. Forward Peyton Kostiuk joins from the Regina Pat Canadians, while netminder Lane Beals will be a Trojan after playing with the Saskatoon Contacts last season.
The recruiting class announced so far includes Regina forward Jack Bechard, who started the season with the Trojans, but an injury forced his release. As well, the team is adding two players from the local North East U15 AA team in Ryder Mucha of Creighton and Tisdale’s own Jaxon Kehrig. Both served as affiliated players with the Trojans last season.
“Having these two players play on the same line this past year gave us a chance to win every time we played,” North East head coach Rob Wallington said. “It was a lot of pressure at times for them but when they were rolling our team experienced success - this was no coincidence. “Off the ice they are both great young men, they do well in school, and they are respectful. They will do great things in hockey and in life.”
Peyton Kostiuk
F, White City
2006
6-foot, 197 pounds
Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA
39 GP, 9 G, 3 A, 12 PTs, 28 PIM
Notes: Won bronze with Team Saskatchewan in WHL Cup
“We’re excited to add Peyton to our team. He brings a rare combination of physicality and skill. He has a year of experience in the league and is a very competitive person who has been a leader on teams throughout his minor hockey career. He will be a great addition to next year's team.”
— Trojans coaching staff
Jack Bechard
F, Regina
2005
5-foot-9, 160 pounds
Regina Rangers U18 AA
15 GP, 18 G, 12 A, 30 PTs, 14 PIM
Notes: Played one game with Tisdale before injury
“Jack is a player whose game is on an upward trajectory. While his season was short this year for games, his contributions were apparent from the get-go. His hockey IQ is extremely high, and he has an instinct that serves him well as a playmaker. In the offensive zone he has the
ability to quickly create scoring opportunities and is a finisher capable of putting the puck in the net. He is an active contributor in all three zones of play and remarkably fast in his transitions between defence and offense, making him an all around threat. In the 72 practices we had this season, I watched him get stronger and faster and he has incredible skills that should integrate well into the Trojan’s play next season.”
— Rangers head coach James Gulak
Lane Beal
G, Warman
2005
6-foot, 155 pounds
Saskatoon Contacts U18 AAA
13 GP, 5-6-2-, 3.45 GAA, .879 SV%
“Lane is a poised, hard-working individual who has experience at the U18 AAA level. His composure, athleticism and competitive nature allow him to be a well positioned, controlled goalie who can battle to the end of all plays."
— Trojans goaltending coach Ashley Kuechle
Pryce Thiessen
F, Kindersley
2007
5-foot-7, 136 pounds
Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep
16 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 PTs, 12 PIM
“The Trojans are beyond excited to have Pryce join us next season. He relentlessly competes every shift he’s on the ice. Matching his work ethic, Pryce has elite skating and athleticism that allows him to continuously create high quality chances for himself and his teammates."
— Trojans coaching staff
Dayton Reschny
F, Macklin
2006
5-foot-7, 140 pounds
Prairie Hockey Academy U16 Prep
34 GP, 10 G, 11 A, 21 PTs, 24 PIM
“Some strengths in Dayton's game would have to be his vision and puck skills. He can see a play developing and find the soft part of the ice to be a good option for his linemates. He's also good at finding the open man in the offensive zone and getting them the puck at the right time.”
— PHA U16 Prep Associate Coach Chad Davidson
Jaxon Kehrig
F, Tisdale
2007
6-foot, 165 pounds
North East U15 AA
31 GP, 37 G, 37 A, 74 PTs, 18 PIM
Notes: Played six games for the Trojans.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching Jaxon four of the last six years. He will go down as one of the top five young men that I have ever had the opportunity to coach. His dedication to always get to the next level is exceptional. He works his butt off and is a great teammate. He does not always say a whole bunch but does his leading by example. When he elevates his game, so do his teammates. He is strong on both sides of the puck and has a very good hockey IQ. He does the work to get the puck to whoever has the best chance to score. He was our playmaker.”
— North East head coach Rob Wallington
Ryder Mucha
F, Creighton
2007
5-foot-8, 165 pounds
North East U15 AAA
25 GP, 29 G, 32 A, 61 PTs, 6 PIM
Notes: Played four games for the Trojans, scoring once.
“Explosively strong skater with a tremendous shot. He loves to score goals and has great vision on the offensive side of the puck. He works hard when he does not have the puck as well. He is a great young man to coach, and he is an awesome teammate as well. He will do great at the AAA level because of his work ethic, his genuine love of the game and his commitment to excel and get to the next level. He was our goal scorer. My only regret with Ryder is I only got the opportunity to coach him for one year.”
— North East head coach Rob Wallington
Kayd Ruedig
D, Humboldt
2007
Humboldt U15 AA
31 GP, 15 G, 19 A, 34 PTs, 42 PIM
Notes: Had an assist over seven games with the Trojans
“I’ll start off by saying he was our team captain and was a strong leader for our group. He’s a strong skater with great mobility. Skates the puck very well and gets involved offensively. Great shot and puck handling skills. Strong and physical in his own end. Just a great all-around player. Tisdale fans will enjoy watching him play.”
— Humboldt Broncos U15 head coach Lee Hamilton
