REGINA, SK – Two ex-UPL Division rivals are coming together in Northern Michigan.
Reilley Kotai, a Melfort Mustangs alum, and Noah Houle, formerly of the Flin Flon Bombers, have both transferred to the school in Marquette, Michigan ahead of the 2026-27 CCHA campaign.
Kotai, 22, is coming off a Canada West All-Rookie Team season for the University of British Columbia, in which he posted 24 points in 24 games.
The former Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League scoring champion helped the Mustangs to the 2025 Canterra Seeds Cup title and a National Junior A silver medal at that year’s Centennial Cup in Calgary, AB.
A native of Abbotsford, BC, Kotai’s older brother Josh is a Battlefords North Stars alum and has established himself with the New York Islanders organization. His younger brother Nick started last season with the Humboldt Broncos and, like Reilley was, will be a Melfort Mustang in 2026-27.
Houle, 22, transferred from Clarkson University this off-season and has 16 points in 38 career NCAA Division I games.
The skilled Montreal-born defenceman had two terrific seasons with the Flin Flon Bombers between 2022 and 2024, when he earned the SJHL SuperU Defenceman of the Year Honours in his final campaign.
Like Reilley, his big brother is also a professional, as Donovan Houle, a three-year Bomber between 2017 and 2020, is looking to crack the San Jose Sharks’ opening-day roster.
