Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, one of the pressing questions surrounding the Yorkton Terriers was how the team would fill the void left by the departure of five graduating 20-year-old defensemen.
The answer? Youth.
With only two returning defensemen—Riley Cormier and 20-year-old Harrison Aldridge—the Terriers turned to their younger players to step up and take on significant roles. So far, the results have been promising, as the team’s rookie blue-liners have risen to the occasion and delivered in key moments.
Bryce Dahl, a Green Bay, WI native, took some time to find his footing this season. But once he settled in, his impact became undeniable—particularly in quarterbacking the Terriers’ top powerplay unit. After going pointless in his first six games, Dahl has found his groove, posting points in 9 of the last 12 games, including a powerplay marker. His growing confidence and ability to create offensive opportunities have made him a critical piece of Yorkton’s success.
Few players have turned heads quite like Tyler Palin. The Estero, FL native has taken the league by storm, leading all rookie defensemen with 7 goals while amassing 10 points in his last 11 games. Currently ranked 5th in rookie scoring with 14 points, Palin’s offensive production, coupled with his steady defensive play, has made him one of the Terriers’ standout performers.
For fans in Yorkton, it didn’t take long for Thomas Ries to become a crowd favourite. Acquired in a trade with the Melfort Mustangs that sent former captain Clay Sleeva the other way, Ries has brought a fearless approach to the Terriers’ penalty kill. His willingness to block shots and his ability to log heavy minutes have been instrumental in the team’s early-season success.
Quinn Johnston was establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence before an unfortunate setback. The Chicago, IL product’s season was interrupted by a check from behind during a game in Flin Flon earlier this month. Prior to the injury, Johnston’s stingy defensive play had quickly earned the trust of Head Coach and GM Emery Olauson, showcasing his potential as a key shutdown defender.
Olauson commented on the Youth on the Backend.
When you look at league leader among rookie Defenseman we have a bunch of guys who are in the top of the league, Palin is a really solid two-way Defenseman, great gap control, and his anticipation is off the charts,” said Olauson. “He knows how to join a rush and capitalize. He leads all defensemen in the SJHL in goals, and surprisingly, he has only started playing on our power play,” added Olauson.
Rounding out the Terriers’ young defensive corps are Thierry Laliberte and James Durfee, who have fit seamlessly into the lineup. Their steady contributions complement the high-impact play of their fellow rookies, giving Yorkton a promising foundation for the future.
