BROOKS, AB (April 20, 2023) – The Brooks Bandits are pleased to announce 2008-born defenceman, Nate Yellowaga has committed to the team.
Yellowaga was a point per game player with the U15 Prep Team at the Edge School, finishing 14th in defenceman scoring in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) with 29 points (4G, 25A) in 29 games. The Calgary, AB product also played five games with the U18 Prep team during this past season.
“Brooks was a logical choice for me for many reasons. The Bandits organization values the same things that I do as a player. The positive team culture along with the character and mindset of the players is very unique,” said Yellowaga.
“I love to win, and the pressure that comes with it is part of the fun. Being in a championship environment is something that I am looking forward to, and my exposure to Brooks and seeing the development of players that came out of the organization, makes me feel like this is the best place for me as a player. I’m choosing the NCAA because it offers me more years to grow and develop as a player while pursuing the next level. NCAA provides an educational future and beyond hockey along with an experience of a lifetime and that’s why I believe it’s the best fit for me.”
“In our eyes Nate has the making of a special junior hockey player. Although he can’t regularly play for us until the 2024-2025 season, we felt it was important to secure our relationship with him at this time,” said Bandits Head Coach and General Manager, Ryan Papaioannou.
“Nate is a dynamic two way defenceman with an ability to put up significant numbers in junior hockey. His choice to play college hockey was an important step in our pursuit of his future. Nate will develop well in Brooks as the next of a long line of offensive defenders. We look forward to his affiliation next season with limited game play and his continued development prior to joining us full time”
The Bandits face the Spruce Grove Saints in the 2023 AJHL Final beginning this weekend at the Centennial Regional Arena. Game 1 is Friday, April 21st, and Game 2 is Saturday, April 22nd.