The Cranbrook Bucks are pleased to announce the signing of 7 new players ahead of the 2021 BCHL pod season. “We are happy to welcome these young men to our program for the remainder of the season,” said Head Coach and General Manager Ryan Donald. “While this season has presented everyone with many unique and unforeseen challenges, we are very fortunate to be able to return to play in the coming weeks. These players will be expected to step into our lineup and contribute in a variety of roles and situations during our condensed season. We look forward to working with each and every one of them to develop as hockey players and as young men, while giving the City of Cranbrook a team to proudly support this spring!”
Goaltenders:
The Bucks have added Jay Thomson to the roster. Jay is a native of Canmore, Alberta, and has plenty of Jr A experience, spending the past two seasons in the AJHL totaling over 60 games. Jay will provide veteran experience both on and off the ice.
Defensemen:
Added to the roster is defenseman Nick Dobson. Nick hails from Cochrane, Alberta, and has spent the entirety of the 2019-20 season with the Weyburn Red Wings in the SJHL. He Began the 2020-21 season in the MJHL before returning to the KIJHL before the season was canceled in February.
Also affiliated is defenseman Bryce Margetson. Bryce joins the Bucks after the PJHL closed its doors on the 2020-21 season. Bryce spent the 2019-20 season with the White Rock Whalers in the PJHL while affiliating in 5 BCHL games. He is a product of the Valley West Giants U18 AAA program, and spent time at Delta Hockey Academy from 2015-18.
Forwards:
The Bucks have added Forward Reece Henry to the roster. Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Reece has spent his entire junior career with the Portage Terriers in the MJHL, making a Royal Bank Cup appearance and being named to the MJHL All-Rookie team in 2018-19. Reece comes to Cranbrook after the MJHL ceased operations for the 2020-21 season.
Also added to the roster is forward Bryce Krauter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bryce has amassed over 100 games of Junior A experience over his career and has committed to Salve Regina University for the 2021-22 season. He joins the Bucks after the MJHL elected to cease operations.
The Bucks have also affiliated forwards Walker Gelbard and Nik Sombrowski. Walker is a product of the Vancouver NW Hawks U18 AAA program and joins the Bucks after a strong showing in the 2020-21 preseason. He is a committed player and will join the Bucks full-time for the 2021-22 season. Nik Sombrowski is a product of the Kootenays, hailing from Fernie, BC. Nik spent the 2018-19 season in the KIJHL with the hometown Ghostriders, before leaving for the SJHL in 2019-20 to join the Weyburn Red Wings. Nik returned to the Ghostriders for the 2020-21 season before the KIJHL ceased operations. Nik has suited up for over 50 Junior A games in his career.
