Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Hockey team is motivated to extend winning legacy in 2025-26

“I have been around many of the Kings for years,” said Reynolds, who previously served as a Kings hockey assistant coach. “We have a high-character group. We are adjusting a few things from last year, but the players are extremely coachable.”

That adaptability has already shown itself in preseason play, where the Kings delivered a commanding 7–2 victory over the SAIT Trojans.

Reynolds credits the team’s preparation for the early results.

“The pace of practices has been outstanding,” he explained. “We have speed, experience and a leadership group that sets the tone. Those guys drive the bus for the younger players.”

At the heart of that leadership are forwards Nolan Doell, Holden Knights, Dawson Leroux and team captain Ryland McNinch, along with ACAC All-Conference defenceman Tanner Sklaruk.

Yet the team’s depth runs even deeper, with 12 additional returning student-athletes helping to guide the newcomers. Forwards Kody Willick (bachelor of business administration), Alex Bernauer (business diploma), Sean Michalevich (business administration), Deegan Mofford (open studies), Liam Stalwick (open studies) and Kasey Hiemstra (business diploma) have also returned.

Defenders Jarod Newell (open studies), Nathan DeGraves (open studies), Tristan Baumung (bachelor of education), Kevin Minnoch (bachelor of business administration) and Tyson Janzen (open studies) have rejoined Sklaruk on the blue line. Returning in goal is Evan Fradette (open studies).

To complement this veteran core, Reynolds has added nine new players to the roster, including forwards Shayne Tibbles, Cade Kennedy, Mason Bueckart and Carter Cormier. Defencemen Nicholas Andrusiak, Tyson Tisdale and Alex Mack, along with goaltenders Cameron Doucette and Ethan Farrow have joined the squad.

The blend of new and returning student-athletes has already fostered strong team chemistry.

“Off the ice, this is one of the best groups that I’ve had the opportunity to work with,” added Reynolds. “They genuinely care about each other. It’s like a family.”

Last season, the RDP Kings (13W-8L-3OTL) finished third in the ACAC during the regular season before elevating their play in the postseason, ultimately defeating the Briercrest College Clippers in a best-of-five championship series.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings will open the 2025-26 season against the Clippers at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m., reinvigorating the rivalry.

The two teams will also meet in Red Deer on Saturday, October 18 at 1 p.m.

“We are really excited for the opportunity to host the Clippers for a couple of games,” said Reynolds. “We expect that Briercrest will want retribution from last year. Our goal is to set the tone, have a good weekend and carry that throughout the season.”

While the Kings are proud of their recent championship streak, they’re equally focused on starting this season strong.

“We’ve had slower starts the past couple of years,” Reynolds said. “This time, we’re emphasizing the little details in practice and holding each other accountable to have a better start and build a solid foundation.”

For more information about Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Hockey, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.

by RDP Athletics

Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Hockey team is motivated to extend winning legacy in 2025-26

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