July 2, 2024 – The Brooks Bandits of the BCHL have signed Travis Verbeek for the 2024-25 season, as the 2004-born forward makes his return to Brooks for his final year before NCAA Division I hockey.
Verbeek, 20, spent the beginning of the 2022-23 season in Brooks after being recruited out of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Listowel Cyclones. He dressed in two regular season games with the Bandits before finishing the year with the Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL.
“I’m so excited to return to Brooks for my final season of Junior,” said Verbeek.
“With their unbelievable track record and ability to develop their players and get them ready for the next level, it made it a no-brainer. I can’t wait to get started.”
Verbeek spent the 2023-24 season with the Whitecourt Wolverines of the AJHL, where he put up 60 points (28G, 32A) in 55 games, which resulted in being named to the Second All-League Team. He finished third in goal scoring and sixth in scoring in the league. He also tied for the most game-winning goals in the AJHL during the regular season with eight.
The Flesherton, ON native was a key contributor to the Wolverines run to the AJHL Championship Final, tallying 16 points (8G, 8A) in 16 playoff games.
“We‘re constantly evaluating our roster and the ability to add good people is always paramount. From previous experience we know Travis is a great person with leadership qualities,” said Bandits Head Coach and GM, Ryan Papaioannou.
“He spent last season becoming one of the top scorers in the AJHL and will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to our team next season.”
Verbeek is committed to the University of Alaska-Anchorage (NCAA Division I).
The Bandits first full season in the BCHL begins on September 20th in Okotoks. A full schedule can be accessed here.
