First and foremost, congratulations to the Medicine Hat Cubs on their South Semi-Final series win. We’ve had some tremendous battles over the years, and for several seasons we were fortunate to come out on top. This time, you earned it, and we want to wish you the very best as you continue your playoff push.
To our players and coaching staff — thank you. This season didn’t end the way we had planned, but that does not diminish the effort, commitment, and pride you showed every single day. Wearing the Bisons crest means embracing expectation. It means understanding the history behind it and the responsibility that comes with it. At the same time, this program has always believed that hockey is meant to be enjoyed — that competing at a high level and having fun doing it are not mutually exclusive. The energy in our room, the brotherhood built over the course of the year, and the passion you brought to the rink are what make this program special. Our players and staff represented this organization with class, competitiveness, and character from day one. The culture inside the Bisons dressing room remains strong because of you.
To our families — thank you for the unwavering support behind the scenes. Junior hockey is a family commitment, and this program is stronger because of yours. Beyond cheering in the stands, you are part of the backbone of this organization. From selling 50/50 tickets, running the score clock, working security, and more — your dedication is what allows this program to operate. You are not just supporters of the team — you are part of the team, and that commitment does not go unnoticed.
To our fans — you continue to make Murray Arena one of the toughest barns to play in across the HJHL. This is our home — and you are a huge part of what makes it that way. The energy, the noise, and the pride in our community matter. Opponents feel it the moment they step onto our ice. Our players feed off it every single shift. Over the years, our fans can take genuine credit in the success this program has achieved. Fourteen championships don’t happen in silence. They happen in a building filled with belief and relentless support. The atmosphere inside Murray Arena has helped swing momentum, lift our players, and shape big moments when it mattered most.
We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our incredible volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate the Bisons experience. To the Hodgins family for keeping the Bisons Brew Cage fully stocked and fans hydrated game after game — your consistency and dedication is greatly appreciated. To Nolan Chard, our play-by-play broadcaster, and his dedicated crew — Ethan Pilgrim, Jaayden Pilgrim, and Rory Knox — thank you for bringing our games to life and showcasing our team with professionalism and passion. To Kiana, our in-game announcer and music manager, who kept the energy high and the atmosphere electric all season long. To our Social Media Manager Serena, who kept our community informed and delivered outstanding content that captured the heart of this team. And last but certainly not least, to our team photographer Rosealee Lagace — thank you for documenting the moments, memories, and milestones that will last a lifetime.
Finally, we want to recognize and thank our Board of Directors who believe deeply in this organization, its history, and the strength it brings to our community. Your leadership, guidance, and steady commitment behind the scenes are what allow this program to continue moving forward year after year. Thank you for your time, your dedication, and your unwavering desire to push this team — one of the premier Junior B programs in the country — to even greater heights. Your belief in the Bisons program makes all the difference.
Winning one championship is hard. Many programs chase it for decades and never experience it even once. We have done it 14 times, and over the past five years we have been to the finals four times, winning three HJHL Championships back to back to back and following it up with provincial success each time representing Okotoks and the HJHL with pride. It’s hard to remain on top year after year, but one thing is for sure — one season does not define the strength of our program. Exiting the playoffs earlier than we wanted does not erase what has been built, nor does it change what lies ahead.
We will regroup, we will reload, and we will be back.
That isn’t luck and it isn’t coincidence. It’s culture. It’s expectation. It’s a program built to last.
The 2026–2027 season is already in motion. The next chapter is being written and if there’s one thing this organization knows how to do, it’s rise.
Trevor McFarlane
General Manager/Director of Player Personnel
