Bandits Dilevka commits to NCAA, second round playoff games announced, and NHL deals for alumni

Dilevka also leads the league in goals with six and assists with nine.

“Dmitrijs has been a tremendous addition to our group this season. His work ethic, consistency, and ability to elevate his game in big moments have really set him apart, especially during this early playoff run,” Bandits Director of Hockey Operations Wayne Labrie said in a statement.

“We’re proud of the strides he’s made both on and off the ice, and Stonehill is getting a highly competitive player with a strong team-first mindset,” he added.

“We’re excited to see what the future holds for him.”

He will join current teammate Liam Fitzpatrick as a fellow commit to Stonehill College.

The Bandits start the Interior East finals and second round of the playoffs this weekend at home against the Sherwood Park Crusaders.

Puck drop for the games on Friday and Saturday is at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Regional Arena.

The remaining schedule for the series is to be announced.

In the first round of the playoffs, the third-seed Crusaders upset the second-seed Blackfalds Bulldogs four games to two.

Both teams met in the second round last year, with the Bandits sweeping that series in four games on their way to their first Fred Page Cup as BCHL Champions.

The Bandits won five of seven games against the Crusaders during the regular season.

Last week, Bandits forward Jack Good was named a finalist for the Bob Fenton trophy by the BCHL. The trophy is awarded each year to the player who best represents sportsmanship.

The 2025-26 Nick Crosby Memorial Award was awarded to Bandits captain Dante Siciliano earlier this month. Each year, a player is selected who best exemplifies Crosby’s greatest assets: determination, hard work, perseverance, and respect and love for the game of hockey.

The award is handed out annually in memory of the Bandit forward who passed away in 2011.

This week has been an eventful one for a few Bandits alumni.

Former defenceman Boston Buckberger, a member of the Bandits during the 2021-22 season, signed a two-year entry-level deal starting in the 2026-27 season with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.

Buckberger won two NCAA Championships during his time with the University of Denver. First in 2024 and just recently over the weekend for the 2026 title. Former Bandits goaltender Johnny Hicks was also a member of the team.

The 22-year-old was also named to this season’s Frozen Four All-Tournament team.

Former forward Aiden Fink signed a three-year entry-level deal with the NHL’s Nashville Predators on Monday, effective for this season.

The 2004-born Fink played two seasons with the Bandits from 2021-23 before playing three NCAA seasons with Penn State.

He has already played six games with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, the affiliate of the Predators. He has 10 points with three goals and seven assists.

Fink is playing in Milwaukee with former Medicine Hat Tigers Oasiz Wiesblatt and Tanner Molendyk. He was also a teammate of former Tigers forward Gavin McKenna at Penn State.

A member of the Bandits from 2019-2022, forward TJ Hughes has signed a one-year entry-level deal with the Colorado Avalanche starting in 2026-27.

He completed four NCAA seasons with the University of Michigan Wolverines. Hughes was named a First Team All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, and Hobey Baker Top 3 Finalist.

by Jesse Gill

Bandits Dilevka commits to NCAA, second round playoff games announced, and NHL deals for alumni

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