(Image Credit: Alexander Patton)

By Jesse Gill

Sports

Brooks Bandits Fitzpatrick commits to play NCAA next season

Mar 13, 2026 | 10:10 AM

Brooks Bandits forward and alternate captain Liam Fitzpatrick has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. next season.

Fitzpatrick is in his third season with the Bandits, scoring 47 regular-season and one playoff goal for the team over that time.

The 20-year-old from Moose Jaw, Sask., currently sits second in BCHL goal scoring with 30 goals across 46 games. He also has 17 assists.

“Liam is certainly deserving of this opportunity with Stonehill,” said Bandits Director of Hockey Operations Wayne Labrie.

“He has been a great teammate over the last three seasons and truly shown his commitment to our organization during his tenure with the Bandits.”

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The Bandits also had defenceman Tanner Winegard commit to play NCAA Division I hockey at Maryville University earlier this month.

Winegard has recorded one goal and three assists in nine games since his trade to the Bandits.

The 21-year-old from Brights Grove, Ont., also had six goals and 18 assists in 38 games with the Langley Rivermen this season.

Maryville University is located in the suburbs of St. Louis, Mo.

The program will field a Division I transition/hybrid team in 2026–27, playing approximately 20 NCAA Division I games, before officially becoming an NCAA Division I hockey program for the 2027–28 academic year.

Earlier this week, the Bandits also announced 17-year-old forward Hunter NcWana will suit up for the team in the 2026-27 season.

McWana plays prep hockey for Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ont., where he has 76 points through 65 games, with 38 goals.

Hughie Hooker received All-Ivy Honours playing for Yale, forward Parker Lalonde was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, and forward Aiden Fink now sits third in Penn State men’s hockey history for points at 125 over his three seasons there.

The Bandits play a pair of games this weekend. Friday, they are in Okotoks taking on the Oilers at 7:05 p.m.

On Saturday, the Bandits host the Trail Smoke Eaters at the Centennial Regional Arena at 7 p.m.

The Bandits remain two points back of the Blackfalds Bulldogs for top spot in the Interior East Division, but have two games in hand.