‘Horns Hockey Secure Nine new Recruits for 2016-17

“As Russ returns from his two-year mission we are fortunate that he has had the entire summer to skate and train,” said head coach Spiros Anastas. “Russ brings a heart-and-soul element to our front line with an offensive touch.”

“He also exemplifies the character we need and will be a welcomed line mate to his brother, Mitch,” added Anastas.

Garret Hughson, another southern Alberta product, has been brought in to solidify the ‘Horns goaltending after a record breaking 20-year-old year season in tier-2 Junior.

Hughson spent three full seasons with the Spokane Chiefs, the 6’3” Foremost, Alberta product and went to the OHL Windsor Spitfires for a brief stint before returning to lead the Brooks Bandits to an RBC Cup semi-finals appearance. The Bandits were beaten in the semi-finals by the eventual Champion West Kelowna Warriors.

With the Bandits, Hughson went 14-3 in the regular season with a 2.27 goals-against-average (GAA) and 0.918 save percentage. In the Alberta Junior Hockey League playoffs, Hughson was nothing short of spectacular, losing only one game and sporting a stingy 1.10 GAA.

In three plus seasons in the CHL, Hughson made 117 appearances with the Chiefs and Spitfires, with his best season coming during the 2014-15 campaign where he played in a career high 55 games and held a 2.80 GAA and 0.902 save percentage.

“Adding another starting goaltender was a priority for us this offseason,” said Anastas. “Garret is a huge addition as he is from nearby Foremost, AB and has a long list of experience.”

“We finally have some size in net with Garret and his athleticism is incredible; his Major Junior experience with Spokane and Windsor will be valuable, and his confidence coming off a record shattering AJHL playoff run with Brooks will allow him to hit the ground running next season.”

Coming off the best statistical season of his WHL career, Cory Millette has decided to stay in Lethbridge after playing his 20-year-old season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The 5’10” left winger scored a career high 34 goals while adding 30 assists.

Millette also suited up for the Red Deer Rebels, Saskatoon Blades, Prince Albert Raiders and Seattle Thunderbirds during his five year WHL career.

“We are very excited to be keeping Cory in Lethbridge after a fantastic season with the Hurricanes,” said Anastas. “Cory is a scorer who plays in the tough areas and will add a much needed presence in front of the net, with natural leadership.”

Another southern Alberta product, Torrin White has committed to join the men’s hockey program after a five-year junior hockey career. After four seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors, White finished his junior hockey with the Langley Riverman in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), where he recorded 43 points in 47 games.

The Medicine Hat product played in 248 career games with the Warriors and accumulated 49 goals and 59 assists for 108 points.

“Torrin is a really exciting addition to our team. I strongly believe he has yet to reach his ceiling as a player and he will excel in our program environment,” said head coach Spiros Anastas. “A fast winger with a great shot, he adds versatility to our roster.”

“He can play bottom six and top six roles, very similar to a Justin Valentino, and can be a force offensively.”

A native of Cranbrook, BC, Ryan Chynoweth comes to the ‘Horns after completing his junior hockey in the AJHL, splitting his final season between the Drumheller Dragons and the Llyodminster Bobcats.

The Bobcats were the host for the 2016 RBC Cup and went right to the final before losing to West Kelowna in the final.

Chynoweth put up 50 points in his final season and then recorded 11 points in 12 AJHL playoff games along with two goals and an assist in six RBC Cup games. He also played in 281 WHL games with the Everett Silvertips, Tri-City Americans, and Kootenay Ice.

“Ryan is another player with great WHL experience who put up solid numbers in the AJHL,” said Anastas. “He fills out our left side and plays a hard game every night.”

“We are looking forward to seeing his continued growth as a player as he fills an important role in our lineup.”

After St. Thomas University decided to cut their men’s hockey program, right winger Connor Sanvido has chosen to transfer to the Pronghorn program and will be eligible to compete immediately. In two seasons with the Tommies, Sanvido recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 51 games.

Prior to joining the Tommies, Sanvido played four seasons in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Swift Current Broncos and the Saskatoon Blades. In 252 career games, he scored 42 goals and added 51 assists.

“With Connor, we become the benefactors of an unfortunate situation at St Thomas University,” said Anastas. “He adds some veteran presence on our young roster going into his 3rd year.”

“His speed and scoring ability allows us to have three solid lines that contribute nightly; he was someone I targeted my first day on the job and was the first recruit I ever had to campus.”

Aytron Nikkel joins the ‘Horns blue-line after starting last season in pro hockey with the Allen Americans of the ECHL. After playing 18 games with the Americans, Nikkel returned to junior hockey with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL.

The 6’0” Kelowna, BC native played in 240 career WHL games over four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades, Brandon Wheat Kings, Everett Silvertips and the Swift Current Broncos.

“Ayrton provides a much needed left handed shot in our top six,” said head coach Spiros Anastas. “He is a tough and physical defender who can make a great first pass out of our zone.”

“Coming out of playing pro, we believe he has the maturity and hockey sense needed to really bolster our back end.”

Also joining the ‘Horns defensive core for next season is Calgary native Clint Filbrandt. The 5’11” left handed defenceman played the last two seasons with the Drumheller Dragons in the AJHL and this past season scored a career high 51 points in 57 games.

He also suited up for the Penticton Vees and the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the BCHL during his junior career. Filbrandt’s junior career began in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans and he also had a nine-game stint with the Kootenay Ice before moving to tier 2 Junior.

“Clint adds some much needed depth to our D-Corps and another left handed shot,” said Anastas. “He is a power play specialist, an area that needs improvement for us next season.”

“He’s a tough competitor with WHL experience and great AJHL numbers, he will complete our back end nicely.”

Previously committed to the ‘Horns in the fall of 2015, Evan Wardley returns to the Pronghorns after trying his hand at pro hockey.

Wardley played nine games last season with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL but did not play after the December 31 and under CIS rules will be eligible to play immediately.

Over his four-year WHL career with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Wardley suited up in 208 games, recording nine goals and 31 assists and set career highs last season with six goals and 16 assists, while being a plus seven.

“We are extremely happy with our newest additions,” said Anastas on the programs recruiting class. “We have filled some holes while adding incredible depth at every position.”

“Last season was a huge step in our process and we believe the ultimate step into the post-season will come this year. We have added great character, speed, toughness, and scoring. All very important attributes that help our success moving forward.”

The ‘Horns will open the Canada West regular season at home October 14th when the ‘Horns host the Regina Cougars.

by Eoin Colquhoun - Communications and Operations Manager - Pronghorn Athletics and Recreation

‘Horns Hockey Secure Nine new Recruits for 2016-17

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