Brooks Bandits add a scout, and have players move on to the college and pro level

He has also coached and developed players at the AAA, Junior A, and elite levels, helping to advance athletes to Major Junior, NCAA, and professional hockey.

“Darryl’s experience, network, and commitment to player development make him an outstanding addition to our scouting staff,” Bandits Director of Hockey Operations Wayne Labrie said in a statement.

“His ability to identify talent and build relationships throughout Eastern Canada will be a tremendous asset to our organization.”

In his role, the Bandits say that Sinclair will focus on talent identification, prospect evaluation, player development, and expanding the Bandits’ recruiting presence throughout Eastern Canada.

Zahara and Ahlberg to Mount Royal Cougars

Former Medicine Hat Tigers and South Alberta Hockey Academy goaltender Zach Zahara became a two-time British Columbia Hockey League champion during his time with the Bandits.

The 21-year-old from Rocky View will now move his talents to the Mount Royal University Cougars in Calgary for the 2026-27 season.

Zahara had won the 2026 Jeff Tambellini Trophy as the BCHL Playoff MVP, after posting a 16-3-2 record to go along with a 1.95 goals against average, and a .928 save percentage during the Bandits’ playoff run.

“Zach joined our team last season during a very challenging time and made an immediate impact. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment played a significant role in helping guide our group to back-to-back BCHL championships,” Labrie said in a statement.

“We are incredibly grateful for everything Zach brought to our organization and wish him continued success with MRU moving forward.”

Zahara split 45 games in net between the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers and Wenatchee Wild before joining the Bandits partway through the 2024-25 season.

His regular season record with the Bandits was 38-14-4, with a 3.02 goals against average, and a .893 save percentage. He had 32 career playoff wins in 42 games.

Joining Zahara at the USports level with the Cougars next season is Bandits teammate forward Harry Ahlberg.

Ahlberg, from Stockholm, Sweden, played one season with the Bandits. The 21-year-old was fourth on the Bandits in regular-season scoring with 51 points, including 22 goals and 29 assists in 53 games.

He was third on the team in scoring in the postseason with 19 points, including six goals and 13 assists in 20 games.

“We are extremely proud to see Harry advance to the CIS level with MRU. Harry’s transition from J20 to the BCHL was seamless, and he quickly became an impactful offensive player and leader for us each and every night,” Labrie said in a statement.

“Beyond his performance on the ice, Harry was a tremendous teammate and an outstanding ambassador for our organization. We are grateful for everything he brought to our team and look forward to following his continued success moving forward.”

The Bandits also recently announced that another player is signing a pro contract in Europe.

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(Image Credit: Brooks Bandits)

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(Image Credit: Brooks Bandits)

Bussman signs pro contract in Germany

Forward Leon Bussmann, who was added to the Bandits in a midseason trade with the Vernon Vipers, has signed in his home country of Germany.

He will join EC Bad Nauheim in the DEL2 league for the 2026-27 season.

“We’re extremely proud of Leon and excited to see him earn this opportunity. He came into our group, worked hard every day, embraced the culture, and played an important role in our championship season,” Labrie said in a statement.

“Signing a pro contract is a testament to his commitment and perseverance, and we wish him nothing but success as he begins the next chapter of his hockey journey.”

The 20-year-old had 15 points, including seven goals and eight assists in 31 regular-season BCHL games with the Vipers and Bandits.

He added five points in 16 playoff games.

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(Image Credit: Brooks Bandits)

by Jesse Gill

Brooks Bandits add a scout, and have players move on to the college and pro level

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