Hockey season begins with Blue vs. Gold scrimmage

By Aaron Thomas

Dominik Bartecko and Lukas Klemm battle Joseph Serpa for control of the puck at the Patty Center on Sept. 19, 2026.

The Nanooks kicked off their hockey season on Sept. 19 with their first scrimmage of the year. Held at the Patty Center, the event included a race between pairs of players and a speed-shooting competition.

The two-period Blue vs. Gold scrimmage featured the team’s current roster, including 16 new players. Eight of the newcomers are transfer students, while the remaining eight are incoming freshmen.

Assistant coach Ryan Theros said the opening scrimmage gives coaches and fans a preview of the team’s capabilities while providing players with an opportunity to test themselves in a game setting.

“It just kind of gives us a quick snapshot of, okay, are they figuring it out?” said Theros.

Dean Spak and Sam Elliott tussle with defensemen at the Patty Center on Sept. 19, 2026.

Nathan Rickey makes a pass during the 2026 Blue Vs. Gold scrimmage at the Patty Center.

The team enters the new season looking to fill the gaps left by departing seniors such as Lassi Lethi and Chase Dafoe. With 16 new players on the roster, the early part of the season provides an opportunity for newcomers to adjust to the team and its systems.

“I think it's kind of rewarding for our veterans that are returners from last year,” Theros stated.

Returning players such as Nathan Rickey, Jackson Anderson and Carson Reed are part of this season’s defensive lineup. Veteran offensive players such as Jhett Larson, Rylen Roersma and Dylan Sydor also return this season.

“They've done a really good job of getting those guys acclimated into, you know, not just the team, but just into helping out with figuring out, you know, our systems and the way we coach,” Theros explained.

After scrimmages against the University of Mary on Sept. 25 and Mount Royal University on Sept. 26, the Nanooks will open their regular season against Boston University on Oct. 2.