The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League continues to proudly demonstrate its reputation as a premier development path to the NCAA, with numerous alumni making significant impacts across Division I programs this season. From Minnesota State to Northern Michigan, former SJHL stars are not only earning roster spots—they’re producing, leading, and elevating their teams at college hockey’s highest level.
Below is a look at several standout performers who honed their craft in the SJHL before translating their success to the NCAA D1 stage.
High-Impact Forwards Lighting Up the NCAA
Tristan Lemyre – Minnesota State (Mankato)
Flin Flon Bombers alumnus — 14 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 PTS
Lemyre has wasted no time becoming a key contributor for the Mavericks. His blend of speed and finishing ability—sharpened during his time in Flin Flon—has helped him emerge as an early-season offensive catalyst.
Stephane Huard – Sacred Heart
Humboldt Broncos alumnus — 12 GP, 2 G, 8 A, 10 PTS
A dynamic playmaker, Huard has continued to build on the elite vision he showcased with the Broncos. His ten points highlight his importance to Sacred Heart’s forward depth.
Will Dawson – Air Force
Notre Dame Hounds alumnus — 13 GP, 4 G, 4 A, 8 PTS
Dawson’s responsible two-way style is translating beautifully to Division I hockey. He has given Air Force reliable scoring and veteran poise early in the season.
Jake Southgate – Lindenwood
Battlefords North Stars alumnus — 12 GP, 1 G, 7 A, 8 PTS
Southgate continues to be a facilitator at the college level, driving play and anchoring Lindenwood’s transition game much as he did during his championship run with Battlefords.
Michael Neumeier – Colgate
Kindersley Klippers alumnus — 13 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 7 PTS
A steady, puck-moving defender, Neumeier has quickly become a trusted blue-line presence for Colgate—showing the same smooth mobility and decision-making that made him a standout in Kindersley.
Emerging NCAA Contributors From Across the SJHL
Karter McNarland – Alaska Anchorage
Humboldt Broncos alumnus — 11 GP, 0 G, 7 A, 7 PTS
McNarland is proving to be a reliable distributor for UAA, driving offence with the same intelligence and possession skill he displayed in Humboldt.
Ethan Zielke – Lindenwood
Humboldt Broncos alumnus — 12 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 PTS
A hard-working forward with strong defensive instincts, Zielke has given Lindenwood quality minutes in all situations while chipping in steady offence.
Jaeden Mercier – Lindenwood
Flin Flon Bombers alumnus — 8 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS
Mercier’s blend of grit and skill remains on full display as he adapts to NCAA competition, providing timely scoring and dependable 200-foot play.
Connor McGrath – Ferris State
Humboldt Broncos alumnus — 11 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS
One of the SJHL’s most electrifying offensive talents in recent years, McGrath is settling into his NCAA game and showcasing the creativity that made him a star in Humboldt.
Tynan Ewart – Northern Michigan
Battlefords North Stars alumnus — 13 GP, 0 G, 4 A, 4 PTS
A strong defender with excellent mobility, Ewart has adapted quickly to the Wildcats’ system, contributing steady minutes and play-driving from the back end.
“Success Starts Here”: The SJHL Development Pathway
The early-season production of these alumni reinforces the SJHL’s longstanding reputation as a league that prepares athletes for success at the next level. Whether through offensive polish, defensive maturity, or leadership qualities, these players continue to represent their former SJHL clubs with distinction.
As the NCAA season progresses, expect more standout performances from SJHL graduates across the continent—further proof that Success Starts Here.
* This does not represent every single SJHLer playing NCAA Div I
