Broncos defenseman, Reilly McKinnon, has committed to SUNY for his post-secondary education. (Becky Zimmer/northeastNOW)

By Becky Zimmer

One gone, one added

Roster changes announced as one Bronco commits to post-secondary and another commits for next season

Mar 5, 2022 | 9:50 AM

Another Humboldt Broncos has solidified his plans for post-secondary education.

Defenseman Reilly McKinnon announced in February his commitment to the State University of New York (SUNY) to study construction management. The NCAA Division III school in Canton, N.Y. will have McKinnon on the roster for the 2022/23 season.

Some family ties helped McKinnon make that decision as his sister is already attending the school, he told northeastNOW.

“Just overall, it was a nice rink, it has great facilities and yeah, it’s also in New York, so it’s kind of a cool experience for that way too.”

McKinnon was initially acquired by the Broncos prior to the 2020/21 season but did not suit up during the abbreviated season.

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In 54 games this season, McKinnon has earned 16 points, three goals, and 13 assists for the green and gold.

This past season has been a great season to put a cap on his junior hockey career, he said.

“We got an unreal team this year. We won a lot of games and it’s a great group of guys in there. It’s my last year so it’s a year to remember.”

For the coaching staff, he has been a great asset and a “calm presence on the blueline”, said head coach, Scott Barney.

“His ability to read the game at a high level and his anticipation sets him apart, and he’s been doing it while consistently defending against the league’s best players too. He works extremely hard on the ice, he is also a fantastic community ambassador off the ice, being involved in many initiatives away from the rink. He’s the kind of guy that you would take 20 of on your team and we’re extremely proud of his accomplishment.”

McKinnon is all set to compete in the playoffs with the green and gold following the last two regular-season games, saying they can handle whomever they are matched up with in the first round.

“We’ve beaten every team in this league this year, so anyone who comes our way I think we can do it.”

Meanwhile, the Broncos roster for next season continues to grow with the acquisition of Warman’s Jordan Normand.

The 2004-born forward is no stranger to the green and gold as he was the 7th overall pick by the Broncos in the 2019 SJHL Bantam Draft and was called up this season to help the Broncos take on the Kindersley Klippers on Nov. 30 at the West Central Events Center.

Normand is currently playing for the U18 AAA Warman Wildcats and has accumulated 41 points, 14 goals, and 27 assists, in 36 games this season.

“Jordan is a very gifted two-way centreman. His play away from the puck is as big a part of his game as with it, which really showcases his hockey sense,” said Barney. “He’s had a great season offensively and we are excited to add him to the Broncos’ roster next season.”

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becky.zimmer@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @bex_zim