With puck drop on the 2025-26 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season coming on Sept. 19, kijhl.ca is providing fans with a preview on all 21 teams. Next in the Quick Shift series are the Spokane Braves.
The Braves finished fifth in the Neil Murdoch division with a record of 9-32-1-2, missing the playoffs. Coming into the season, new head coach Jason Greenwell wanted to have an older team with experience.
“The biggest thing for me in the off-season was getting the guys that wanted to be here, and making sure it was the right guys,” said Greenwell. “We’re very excited with the guys that are. We’re carrying five 20-year-olds right now which is exceptional to have that leadership.”
Greenwell said there is an expectation for the best every day and the Braves have brought in the right personnel on and off the ice to make sure that happens.
Returning Players: F – Cameron Oien (44-11-25-36), Deegan Sellers (44-12-21-33), Jason Grey (31-5-11-16), Mason Lochten (40-6-8-14), Luke Biletsky (25-5-4-9), Grayson Picicci (40-3-6-9), Tobin Mikkelson (40-2-6-8), Ben Race (29-3-3-6), D-Jackson Lukrofka (41-8-11-19), Lance Buell (39-0-7-7), Colton Tidd (40-2-3-5), Keegan Stickel (39-1-4-5), G-Bronson Pankey (10-1-6-1, 5.95 GAA | .871 SP).
Acquisitions: D- Bo Stevens (Castlegar Rebels – 11-1-1-2 /Willmar WarHawks – NA3HL).
Rookies: F- Luka Svircic – San Jose Jr. Sharks 18UAAA (42-5-8-13), Grayden Westbrook – Spokane Jr. Chiefs, Tucker Lochten – Wenatchee Wild 15UAAA (45-32-24-56), Cooper Leonard – Tri-City Americans 18U (29-32-30-62), Michael Davis – Tri-City Americans 18U (38-19-20-39), G-Quintin Barton – Resurrection Christian Academy (14-5-8-1, 3.98 GAA | .907 SP).
Team Outlook: Greenwell likes the buy-in from the players with the structural changes to the way they play, and their work ethic as they strive to win.
“They put their work boots on. We immediately started through our systems,” he said. “One of the biggest things for me is seeing guys doing work outside of the rink. What the leaders have done with the group so far has been great.”
Second-year forward Ben Race has stepped into a new role as he looks to play in bigger situations.
“He came back in great shape and is ready for the season. He is excited to be here and for the opportunity,” said Greenwell. “Rookie Luca Svircic has come in and set the bar on work ethic. His physical play has been phenomenal. I would say the same about Thomas Henricksen. They have elevated that physical play. We want to play a very physical game.”
