As the Yellowhead Chiefs gear up for the 2024-25 season in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, a new wave of young talent takes the stage, eager to make their mark. Though the Chiefs bid farewell to eight seasoned veterans and saw four others graduate to junior level, this year’s squad is primed for action with a mix of returning leaders and fresh faces.
At the forefront is Alec Strachan, a 2008-born forward from Hamiota, MB. After an impressive stint last year, Strachan is poised to be a key player this season, and with his draft selection by the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, expectations are sky-high. Isaac McArthur from Birtle and Oliver Nickel of Solsgirth, both returning forwards from the 2008 class, will look to build on their experience, while Nolan Kozak, the Neepawa native and Neepawa Titans auto-protected forward, is set to make a splash with his returning prowess.
Anchoring the defense is Chase Cochrane, a third-year veteran from Oak Lake and a 2023 Neepawa Titans draft pick. Cochrane’s leadership on the blue line will be critical, and alongside returning defensemen like Ethan Bray from Neepawa, the Chiefs are set to form a strong back-end. Riley Swereda, the fan-favorite forward from Shoal Lake, adds firepower up front in his return, while goaltender Conner Rappler from Kenton holds down the fort between the pipes, bringing crucial experience to the net.
Joining this core group are exciting newcomers like Konner Klemick, a 2007-born defenseman from Brandon who made his mark in the U17 league, and Colbey Asselstine from Birtle, a big-bodied forward with slick hands.
The next generation of Chiefs stars also steps into the spotlight, with several U15 graduates ready to showcase their skills. Cole Lelond and Winston Lepp, both from Rivers, MB, bring U15 Chiefs experience as goaltender and forward, respectively, while Grady McNish, another Rivers product and Lethbridge Hurricanes draft pick, looks to make his presence known on offense. Tyson Bridge, a stalwart on defense from Hamiota, rounds out a promising young core.
From first-year players like Cooper McColl of Elkhorn, Duncan McLean of Oak River and Destin Knight from Hamiota to defensive talents like Bryce Gambler from Waywayseecappo and Brody Bohemier from McAuley, the Chiefs’ lineup is packed with potential. Add in Redden Richmond, a dynamic forward from Forest, MB, and this youthful squad is set to turn heads as they battle for dominance.
This season is about more than rebuilding—it’s about rising to the challenge. With a talented mix of returning veterans and rising stars, the Yellowhead Chiefs are ready to hit the ice with speed, skill, and a hunger to succeed. Chiefs fans, buckle up—it’s going to be an exciting ride!
