The Swan Valley Stampeders are off to another great start in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League as they entered their 21styear. The club sits with a record of 11-5-2, almost mirroring last year’s record at this time of 14-3-0. With the club off to what appears to be a rebuild year, newly hired Head Coach and General Manager Geoff Grimwood, along with Associate Coach Suneil Karod, were tasked with setting up their leadership core.
Leyson Coleman was chosen to lead this year’s Stampeder group.
The 6’3′ 201 lbs native of Lac La Biche, Alberta was acquired last year from the Flin Flon Bombers, a trade that has helped the Stampeders since day one. The 20-year-old was also a huge part of their long playoff run last season, making it to the MJHL finals for the first time in the team’s history. In 68 games with the Stamps` he has collected 5 goals and added 15 assists.
Since joining the Stampeders Coleman has become a huge leader on the team and even in the community, helping at numerous events across the valley.
“He has that drive to make everyone around him want to become a better person, a better teammate, and a better hockey player.” said Director of Marketing Cody Manchester. “He is an exciting player to watch every time he steps onto the ice, his drive to make everyone else around him better and his determination to win is just incredible.”
“Leyson is a young man of outstanding character and leadership,” said Head Coach and General Manager Geoff Grimwood. “He treats all of our players with a tremendous amount of respect, but also holds our group accountable. He works very hard on and off the ice and has a massive community presence.”
“It means a lot to play for the Stampeders organization, especially after last year’s season and how much the community railed behind us,” said Leyson Coleman. “Becoming the Captain is a huge responsibility. The guys that were in this leadership role last year, left big shoes to fill. It really does mean a lot to be looked at as one of the leaders in the locker room. I take great pride in being one of the guys that players look up to, and come to for help, as well as showing the younger guys the ropes of junior hockey.”
Leyson Coleman, your 2019-2020 Swan Valley Stampeders Captain.