Pembina Valley Hawks Open 2025/26 Season with High Expectations
The Pembina Valley Hawks are set to launch their 2025/2026 U18 AAA Regular Season SEPT 26th at home when they face the Norman Northstars
Looking to Build on Last Season’s Foundation
Head Coach Jeff Andrews returns behind the bench, determined to elevate the team’s performance and position the Hawks as serious contenders this season.
“With the group we had last year, it feels like we let one slip away,” said Andrews. “It was a tough challenge going into the playoffs against the Bruins, who were a very strong team. Their defence and goaltending really showed throughout the series, and we couldn’t find a way to solve it.”
The Hawks’ 2024/2025 roster featured 14 rookies, and Andrews is confident that the experience gained—especially in their opening-round playoff series—will be crucial heading into this new season.
“Building on last year’s group gives us a real opportunity,” he added. “That experience can be a driving force if we make it back to the postseason. The goal is to not only return but to go deeper and play for bigger things as the year progresses.”
Veteran Leadership Returns
The Hawks will ice a lineup rich with returning talent this season. Third-year veteran, Ragnar Gillis will leads the charge, bringing both leadership and consistency.
He’ll be joined by a strong core of second-year veterans:
● Parker Henderson
● Cason Hiebert
● Cole Secord
● Casey Magarrell
● Eli Jones
● Paxton White
● Nolan Bravo
This returning group provides the Hawks with experience and depth on all sides of the puck.
Fresh Start in the Crease
The goaltending situation offers a fresh slate for Pembina Valley. Between the pipes, the Hawks will be leaning on Koen Bleznuk, who is coming off a strong season. In 17 appearances, Bleznuk posted a 2.88 goals-against average and an impressive .926 save percentage—solid numbers that signal reliability and potential heading into a new year.
The Road Ahead
With expectations high and a strong mix of experienced returnees and promising new talent, the Pembina Valley Hawks are setting their sights on a breakthrough 2025/2026 season. It all starts next weekend in Morden, as the next generation of Hawks look to earn their place on a team with something to prove.