A productive May for Huskie men’s hockey team

The defending Canada West men’s hockey champions had a busy month of May, as USask head coach Brandin Cote is in full-on recruitment mode. “It certainly was one of the most active months since I’ve been the coach of the Huskies”, said Cote. “The recruiting landscape has changed a lot in recent years — across Major Junior, NCAA, U SPORTS, and professional hockey — and timelines have shifted. This spring presented a unique window where several impactful players who fit our identity and culture became available at the same time. We’re very intentional with who we bring in, and May allowed us to add people who can help us continue competing for championships.” 

One of the high-profile additions is right winger Tyler Parr, who served as captain in part of his five-year stint with the Saskatoon Blades. The La Salle, Manitoba product had 61 points in the 2024-25 WHL season. “Tyler brings a high level of character, maturity, professionalism and competitiveness to our group”, continued Cote. “You can never have enough players like him in your locker room. He sets a standard in how he prepares, how he treats people, and how he competes. We’re very excited and grateful that he chose to stay in Saskatoon.” 

One of Parr’s teammates with the Blades, defenceman Morgan Tastad, has also committed to the Huskie program. The Loreburn, Saskatchewan product dressed for 11 games in Saskatoon’s 2024 WHL playoff run. Since Cote has taken over as head coach many former Saskatoon Blades such as defender Ben Saunderson and goaltender Nolan Maier have joined committed to USask.  “It’s a credit to both organizations”, said Cote. “The Blades have done an outstanding job drafting, developing, and retaining high end players and high character people. At the same time, our Huskie Men’s Hockey program continues to build on a long history and legacy of excellence.” 

Defenceman Logan McCutcheon, who spent five seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings, along with forwards Jaeden Mercier (50 point season with the Flin Flon Bombers in 2022-23), Tyson Yaremko (former Lethbridge Hurricane and Portland Winterhawk) and White City Saskatchewan’s Jaeden Dureau (Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick & four seasons of pro hockey) have also committed to the Huskie program, starting with the 2026-27 season.