Trojans announce leadership group, add Giles, preview 2026/27 campaign

“I just expect our team to give 100% every night, be in games, and give us a chance to win a game every night as a group; that’s really all you can ask for… I’m confident in our group this year. During our two exhibition games, I felt like our work ethic and our desire to win battles and races to pucks were a good sign for us this year. We were engaged and physical, we didn’t back down, and we matched up well,” Rudy said.

“I don’t think our group needs to feel any pressure because we’re not solely judged on wins and losses. I want to see growth, because we’re a developmental league first. I want to make kids ready to move on to the next level, and we’ve had some really good success stories in that area. We try to instill in these kids that they’re competing against North America and even the world now, once they move on to junior, so they have to be ready to accept that.”

Said growth will also have to be led by a select few players this season, who were named to the club’s leadership group on Thursday.

Jacob Tait will wear the ‘C’, while Logan Edwards and Camryn Aebig will join him as the assistant captains.

“A clear message was sent from our group about who they wanted to lead them first and foremost. We’re still a little old school and have the boys kind of pick their leadership group, as long as we agree with it. All three of them bring great qualities to the table, both on and off the ice. Just as human beings, as well, they’re all great people,” added Rudy.

“I’m just really happy with the team. If you look at our local content, also, I think internally, people in the Northeast here always have comments about how many local kids we have. This year we have quite a few local kids; it’s probably one of the better years that we’ve had in a few years with some local kids, but that goes back to the growth through the minor hockey systems and everything. This year, we happen to have a really good contingent of local kids.”

The Trojans also made an addition to their roster in signing Saskatoon native Dylan Giles.

The 2009-born forward made his preseason debut with the club this past weekend, producing an assist over a pair of games.

Giles split last season between the U18 SAAHL Saskatoon Screaming Eagles and another SMAAAHL club, in the Battlefords Stars.

The 16-year-old registered 14 goals and 13 assists (27 points) over 21 games with his hometown team, before adding another three points (two goals and an assist) in 18 contests in the Battlefords.

Tisdale will begin their season in Moose Jaw, for a pair of weekend contests against the Winmar Warriors. The Trojans will then play their following three matches on the road, before finally getting their home opener on Oct. 10, when they play host to the Estevan Bears.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Trojans announce leadership group, add Giles, preview 2026/27 campaign

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