Ryan Carlson and Keaton Jameson, two Manitoba Bisons standouts, are taking their talents to the next level after signing pro contracts to play in the ECHL this past week. Jameson is suiting up for the Fort Wayne Komets, while Carlson will be playing with the Norfolk Admirals.

Both athletes — who combined for 126 games played — began their careers with the Herd in 2018-19 and were consistent contributors on the ice, while representing the program with pride off of it.

"Keats and Carl are amazing guys who have left a great legacy with the men's hockey program," said head coach Mike Sirant. "We thank them for their outstanding contribution to the Bisons and wish them much success as they begin their pro hockey careers."

Versatility key for Carlson

Carlson, a Minnesota native, was well known for his versatility with the Bisons. Throughout his hockey career, which included 174 games (ninth in team history) with the Steinbach Pistons, he earned a reputation as a hard-nosed, versatile defenceman who was difficult to play against.

He began his UM career as a blue-liner, but shifted to forward over the last few seasons, demonstrating his willingness to do whatever it took to help his team. Carlson finished his tenure with Manitoba with 14 points and was a reliable two-way player.

"When I first came to the team the captain was Brett Stovin and he took me under his wing a bit. He was already a versatile player as well, and he talked about how important that was. The following year when he graduated, Mike mentioned to me about playing forward and I contacted Stoves," he recalled.

"I just asked what he thought about that, and he said it was going to be nothing but good things, because going onto the next level, versatility just means you add more to your resume I just always thought I could try and fit into any role possible and that's the way I try and fit my game style."

Carlson got into Norfolk on Thursday and is thrilled to start the next stage in his hockey career. The 6'3", 205-pounder will be asked to play the role of stay at home defenceman and is excited to add more to his repertoire as the year goes along. His time with Manitoba has given him the tools he needs to be successful with the Admirals.

"This program has been awesome. It's not even just Mike, it's [assistant coaches] Ryan Bonni and Devin Himpe as well. The time management involved, the professionalism, they teach you everything you need to really move onto the next step. Mike has always pushed us to be better. He never puts a ceiling on our skills. He wants the best for us and makes us think we can do whatever we want. He's going to help you get to that point."

Jameson acclimating well to pro hockey 

At every level of his hockey career, forward Keaton Jameson has demonstrated an elite-level work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work for his team. A natural leader, he captained Swan Valley in the MJHL in 2017-18 and also earned the honour with the Herd this past year.

Jameson, a stellar defender who's also a capable scorer and distributor, tallied 44 points during his time with Manitoba, showcasing tremendous chemistry with whoever he lined up with. He led the team in assists this season, with 13 and looks back on his career with the Bisons with pride.

"I think the biggest thing was we never showed signs of quitting. We always came to the rink with a smile on our face and battled the whole way through, and we had such a great group of guys. I told them all the time that that was the best group of teammates that I've had in my hockey career," he said.

"It was just a joy to be with them every day and to battle with them, and even the last weekend there where we knew we weren't making the playoffs, we still had a lot of fun and made the most out of it, and at the end of the day that's what it's all about. The culture in the room was the biggest thing, it was just such a joy to be around people that were like-minded and I think that culture is going to extend into next year, and I hope a lot of guys will come back and try and accomplish what we weren't able to do this year and I think they can definitely do that."

Jameson signed with the Komets on Monday and drove 16 hours on Tuesday in order to make the lineup on Wednesday. There was an opportunity because of injuries and he fit the mould of the type of player they were looking for.

"We play ten forwards, so I was playing as the tenth forward Wednesday night, and I'm just going to have to continue to earn my ice. I'm looking forward to that challenge. I want to have to out-work others for their jobs and that's what pro hockey is all about," he said.

"We play three games this weekend and I'm just looking forward to making the most out of every opportunity that I get and every shift, and earning the trust of the coach is a big thing, and being able to be trusted on the ice so he can rely on me every time he needs somebody out there and being able to manage the puck. I think for me I'm to have to keep getting better every game and show that I can be successful."