Drumheller, AB- September 12th , 2019: The Drumheller Dragons are pleased to announce the leadership team for the 2019/20 season. With the new season set to get under way Friday, September 13th against the Brooks Bandits, 3rd year forward Derrick Budz will lead the team as the newly appointed Captain. Budz is entering his final season of junior hockey, all of which has been with the Dragons. The 20-year-old Yorkton product is entering his third year with the Dragons having played 110 games in a Dragons Jersey. Coach Kevin Hasselberg had this to say about the newly appointed captain, ?Derrick is a leader by example who is well respected by his peers. He comes to the rink well prepared and works extremely hard to do what?s best for the team. His infectious positive attitude creates a safe environment where development and camaraderie are achieved. He will be a tremendous captain for the Drumheller Dragons.? Budz played in all situations as a 19-year-old last season and will be looked upon to do the same with the Dragons in what will be his final season of junior eligibility.
Assisting Budz this season as Alternate Captains are three returning players from last season?s team. Defenseman Aiden Yakimchuk, forward Kaden Hanas, and forward Brady Risk will round out the team letter wearers for the 2019/20 season. Yakimchuk from Edmonton Alberta enters his second season as a Dragon and his third season of Junior. Aiden was acquired from the Sherwood Park Crusaders at the beginning of last season. The 6?3 blueliner has played in 99 AJHL games and has accumulated 22 points. Yakimchuk will help with the development of the young defensemen on this years roster. Hanas is also entering his third season with the Dragons and the Strathmore product has shown throughout the preseason his ability to take charge and lead the room. Hanas split time between the Dragons and Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League during the 2018/19 season. His enthusiasm and energy have contributed 255 penalty minutes and 29 points in 82 AJHL games played. Risk is the most experienced player on the Dragons roster. With 176 career games played in the AJHL, the Medicine Hat product is expected to be one of the Dragons leaders offensively. In three seasons, Risk has scored 43 goals adding 58 assists for 101 points. Risk has earned a commitment from the Alaska Nanooks, a division 1 College team competing in the WCHA.
The Dragons regular season schedule can be found on our website www.drumhellerdragons.ca or on the Alberta Junior Hockey League website www.ajhl.ca. Come help kick things off and be a part of the Home Opener Festivities by joining us at the Kickoff Tailgate Party Friday September 13th in the Memorial Arena Parking Lot. For more information please contact Dustin Edwards at the Dragons Office dustin.edwards@canalta.com