As the curtain closed on the 2025–26 regular season, the Yellowhead Chiefs wrapped up their campaign with a home-and-home series against one of the league’s top teams, the Brandon Wheat Kings.
While the weekend results didn’t fall in Yellowhead’s favour, Sunday afternoon in Shoal Lake was about more than the scoreboard — it was about celebrating five graduating players who have left a lasting mark on the program.
Yellowhead Chiefs 3 – Brandon Wheat Kings 8
Friday, February 20, 2026 – J&G Homes Arena, Brandon
The Chiefs travelled to Brandon on Friday to face a Wheat Kings squad sitting third overall in the U18 AAA standings — and the home side came out flying. Brandon struck three times in the opening period and carried the momentum into the second. But the Chiefs showed resilience early in the middle frame.
Just 27 seconds into the second period, Nolan Kozak buried his 28th of the season off a feed from Grady McNish and Winston Lepp to get Yellowhead on the board. Moments later, Jayden Espenell notched his second of the year, finishing a play set up by Isaac McArthur and Oliver Nickel to cut the deficit to 3–2.
Brandon responded with a shorthanded marker and added a late power-play goal to regain control. In the third, Kozak struck again — his 29th of the season — again assisted by McNish, but the Wheat Kings’ depth proved too much as they pulled away for the 8–3 final.
Despite facing a barrage of 50 shots, Landon McGregor turned aside 42 in a busy night between the pipes.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – Shoal Lake Communiplex
Before puck drop Sunday, the organization took time to honour graduating players:
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Alec Strachan
- Oliver Nickel
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Isaac McArthur
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Nolan Kozak
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Sawyer Wallin
Each player was joined on the ice by their parents for a heartfelt presentation, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the Chiefs program. From milestone performances to steady locker-room leadership, this group helped guide a young Chiefs roster through a competitive season.
When the game began, Yellowhead showed early pushback. After Brandon opened the scoring, Wyatt Njegovan capitalized on the power play midway through the first period, wiring home his 10th of the season from Kozak and McNish to tie the game at one.
That would be the lone Chiefs goal, despite a strong effort and 56 saves from graduating goaltender Sawyer Wallin, who turned aside 60 shots in his final U18 AAA appearance. Brandon added two third-period goals, including a shorthanded marker, to seal the 4–1 decision.
Season in Review
The Chiefs finish the 2025–26 campaign with a record of 18-29-1-0, good for ninth place in the highly competitive U18 AAA standings.
Competing in a league featuring powerhouse clubs like the Winnipeg Bruins, Winnipeg Wild, and Brandon Wheat Kings, the Chiefs battled hard all season with a young lineup that gained valuable experience for the future.
While the wins and losses tell part of the story, this year’s team showed growth, character, and compete — setting a foundation that will carry forward.
Thank You, Graduates
To Alec, Nolan, Oliver, Isaac, and Sawyer — thank you for your commitment to the Yellowhead Chiefs crest. Your leadership helped shape this group, and your impact will be felt long after your final shift.
Chiefs fans can already look ahead with optimism as the returning core builds on the lessons learned this season.
Once a Chief, always a Chief.
