Photo credit: Erica Perreaux, Rayme Thomson and Scott Stroh.
Five players from the 2022-23 MJHL season have been named to opening night rosters in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2023-24 season.
Ryan Botterill – Youngstown Phantoms
Botterill enjoyed a breakout season with the Portage Terriers where he scored a league-leading 45 goals while adding 28 assists in 57 games. The native of Portage la Prairie was named an MJHL First Team All-Star was the recipient of the Frank McKinnon Memorial Trophy for his outstanding sportsmanship and playing ability.
Ty Paisley – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Another MJHL’er who is coming off a pair of seasons for his hometown club, Ty Paisley from the Steinbach Pistons broke out in 2022-23, scoring 21 goals and 35 assists in 51 games. Paisley earned an NCAA Division I commitment to the University of St. Thomas last season and helped the Steinbach Pistons win their third Turnbull Cup in franchise history, leading the MJHL in playoff scoring in the process with 11 goals and 18 assists in 18 games.
Nick Mikan – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
The native of Edina, Minnesota, enjoyed a memorable rookie season in Steinbach, notching 16 goals and 18 assists in 56 games where he earned an NCAA Division I commitment to the University of St. Thomas playing in the MJHL. Mikan helped the Pistons capture their third MJHL Championship and potted 1 goal and 2 assists on their run to the cup.
Lucas Brennan – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
One of the most memorable 18-year-old seasons in recent MJHL history, Selkirk Steelers forward, Lucas Brennan lit the league on fire in 2022-23. Brennan led the league in scoring with 41 goals and 43 assists in 53 games that helped him earn the MJHL’s Most Valuable Player award. It didn’t take long for others to notice as Brennan announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at the Bemidji State University. The Winnipeg native was also named and MJHL First Team All-Star.
Carson Reed – Waterloo Blackhawks
Reed enjoyed a breakout season on the inaugural Niverville Nighthawks roster, adding 5 goals and 21 assists in 50 games to sit third among rookie defenders in scoring during the 2022-23 season. His outstanding play on the backend earned him a spot as an MJHL Rookie Team All-Star.
