Winnipeg, MB -- The Manitoba Bison men’s hockey team continues to build leading into the 2009-10 season as returning head coach Mike Sirant adds two more new recruits – both played in the Western Hockey League (WHL) as one is a goalie and the other a defenceman. Bisons head coach Mike Sirant is pleased to announce the commitment of Jesse Deckert and Brandon Lockerby to the Bison program for the upcoming season.
Deckert, 22, played for parts of five seasons in the WHL and finished his WHL career with the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2006-07 season. With the Raiders he played two seasons and was in the nets for 49 regular season games and posted a 3.24 Goals Against Average with a 20-26-3 record plus played all five playoff games in the 2006-07 season. In 2005-06, Deckert had a WHL career-high 2.70 Avg. with a .909 Save Pct. in 44 regular season games. The Winnipeg native also had WHL stints with the Tri-City Americans and Regina Pats plus skated with the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the 2004-05 season. The 6’2”, 205 lbs. goaltender is also no stranger to CIS hockey as he suited up for the Lethbridge Pronghorns in the 2007-08 season and played in four conference games in limited action. Deckert also attended the Nashville Predators rookie and main training camp prior to the start of the 2006-07 season.
Sirant said, “Jesse is making a comeback in his hockey career from injuries and committed to rededicate himself for this opportunity. He had an outstanding career with Prince Albert and gives Bisons depth at the goaltender position.”
Lockerby, 21, completed a three plus year WHL career with the Edmonton Oil Kings and Brandon Wheat Kings. The 6’0”, 180 lb. defenceman had a breakout season in the 2008-09 campaign when he scored 35 points (seven goals, 28 assists) in 72 regular season games from the blueline for the Oil Kings. He also played four playoff matches in 2009 with one assist. In the 2006-07 season with Edmonton, Lockerby added 14 points (7g, 7a) in 36 regular season games. With Brandon from 2005-07, the Douglas, MB native added ten points (2g, 8a) in 43 regular season games over parts of two seasons. He was also a member of the National Midget Champion “AAA” Wheat Kings in 2004.
Sirant commented, “We are pleased that Brandon is joining the Bisons as he has excellent puck skills and great vision. In addition, Brandon is a great skater who will be expected to provide offence from the blueline and to initiate our attack.” |