The men's hockey program made a serious splash in the recruitment cycle this week, announcing their first three commits for the 2024-25 season in forwards Cade Zaplitny and Grady Lane, as well as defenceman Dexter Whittle. All three players have WHL experience, suiting up in a combined 359 games. 

Zaplitny, a centre and left winger, suited up for the WHL's Everett Silvertips over the last three years. Playing in a total of 139 games, Zaplitny netted 26 goals and 51 total points, including a career-high 27 in 2022-23. At the U17 level in 2019-20, the East St. Paul native was MVP for the Winnipeg Thrashers, where he recorded 56 points in 36 games. 

"Caden is a hard working two-way forward that can play both centre and wing," said head coach Gordon Burnett.

"He has played a key role in Everett the last couple years and we look forward to Caden playing an important role with us. Last year in an injury shortened season Caden had 18 points in 33 games with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL.

Lane played last year for the Victoria Royals in the WHL, as well as for Virden in the MJHL. He also spent 2020-23 with Spokane in the WHL, amassing a total of 137 games  in the 'dub, with 23 points and 250 penalty minutes. The left winger out of Virden was an assistant captain for Spokane, as well as Victoria. 

"Grady is an energy forward that works extremely hard on the ice and in the gym. Grady has left a positive impression on all the people he has been around in the different places he has played," said Burnett.

"During the recruiting process, Lane's character and work ethic stood out. We look forward to Grady contributing to our team and campus community in positive ways. 

Whittle also played for Everett, logging 97 career regular season games between the 2021-24 seasons. A "meat and potatoes" hockey player who does all the little things right, the defenceman out of Virden recorded a career-high 20 assists in 49 regular season games in 2022-23.

"We are excited to be welcoming Dexter to the Bisons hockey team. Dexter is a steady two-way defenceman from the Everett Silvertips of the WHL that competes extremely hard in all situations," said Burnett.

"Dexter has overcome adversity with a serious injury this past season to return to the game he loves, we are fortunate to have a player with his resilience coming to campus