The 2025-26 SJHL Regular Season has arrived, and anticipation is high across the league. For the Yorkton Terriers, a team that lit the league on fire last year, the mission is clear: build on the success of a season that saw them climb back to the top of the standings and make a run all the way to the Semi-Finals.
A hallmark of last year’s roster was its ability to spread out the scoring. Yorkton didn’t rely on one or two names to carry them; instead, they leaned on contributions from all four lines. With a strong group of returning players up front, the Terriers are confident that new leaders will emerge to help carry the offensive load.
Among the forwards returning are Jye Zawatsky, Vinay Junek, Tylan Henrikson, William Leonard, Quinn Tavender, and Evan Auld — all players with the potential to elevate their games and take that next step.
To bolster the attack, the Terriers added a few pieces, including Gabriel Courchesne. A former Telus Cup Champion and tournament MVP, Courchesne brings not only a scoring touch and offensive creativity but also major junior experience, spending time with the Quebec Remparts a year ago.
On the back end, the Terriers return a solid defensive core with Thomas Ries, Riley Cormier, Thierry Laliberte, and Quinn Johnston. While the returning group provides stability, every great blue line benefits from fresh legs. Newcomers Zach Hertz, Brett Buckley, Mikale Budz, and Drew Heil are expected to bring size, energy, and mobility to round out the unit and give Yorkton one of the more balanced defensive corps in the league.
Between the pipes, consistency and competition should be a strength. Returning goaltender Callum Creig enters his second season in orange and black, and proved last year that he could steal games when needed and will once again be a vital piece of the puzzle. But every successful team needs a reliable tandem, and the addition of Alexandro Montoya gives the Terriers exactly that. The competition between the two netminders should not only push each other but also ensure that Yorkton has strong goaltending night in and night out.
The road to the Canalta Cup begins tonight in Weyburn, where the Terriers will officially open their 2025-26 campaign. With a mix of returning veterans, exciting new talent, and plenty of motivation after last year’s playoff run, this Yorkton team is hungry to prove they belong once again among the league’s elite. Fans can listen on GX94 or online at FloHockey, Puck drop is 7:00 PM.
