The Vikings Men’s Hockey team are pleased to add six new first-year recruits and announce three recruits from the 2020-21 season.
Peyton Gorski – Defence – Regina, SK
Gorski grew up playing minor hockey in Regina before spending time with the Portage Terriers of the MJHL and most recently the Whitecourt Wolverines. As for why he committed to the Vikings, Gorski says “it’s a great program and great opportunity.”
“Peyton comes to us after completing a very successful junior career. His maturity and winning mentality are exactly what we are looking for in our culture,” says coach Green. “Peyton will be leaned on to provide steady responsible defense while chipping in offensively as well.”
With 2021-22 being his first year at Augustana he will be focusing academically on Business and Economics with the hope to go into the business side of hockey in the future.
Jordan Mish – Forward – Glenavon, SK
Mish played his entire junior career with the Ice Wolves in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, having started his hockey career on a pond in his hometown. Choosing to attend Augustana and become Viking was an easy one for him after many recommendations from past Vikings.
“Jordan had high hopes of winning a championship in La Ronge until the pandemic got the best of his season. However, his hunger continues as he prepares for the upcoming season in the ACAC,” says coach Green. “We feel that Jordan will be a pivotal part of our success not only this year but for many years to follow.”
Rett Rook – Goal – Camrose, AB
Choosing to pursue post-secondary in his hometown of Camrose, Rook has his sights set on winning a championship with the Vikings and while getting a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law, Crime, and Justice. Rook hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“I’ve known Rett for a while now and know what a competitive player he is. Each time I see him on the ice he seems to continue to get stronger and stronger and that is a compliment to his willingness to improve,” says coach Green. “I know Rett will work very hard to earn his spot in goal for us.”
Daniel Moody – Goal – Blackville, NB
Hailing from the east coast, Moody is one of two goaltenders to join the Vikings for the 2021-22 season. He spent much of his junior career in the QMJHL before spending his final junior season with the Miramichi Timberwolves of the Maritimes Junior Hockey League (MJAHL).
“Anytime you get a player with the major junior experience that Daniel has it is very exciting for the program,” adds coach Green. “The QMJHL is historic for producing high-quality goaltenders and I consider that to be the case with Daniel. Look for Daniel to be one of the more dominant goalies in our league for many seasons to come. “
Kyle Ford – Forward – Calgary, AB
Ford is a dynamic centreman whose most successful season came when he played for La Ronge of the SJHL where he put up 46 points in 57 games. Look for the same success with the Vikings and in the classroom, Ford will be aiming to score his Kinesiology degree, with the hope of becoming a personal trainer.
“Kyle is a player who was just starting to hit his stride before the pandemic, but I anticipate that Kyle will come in and give the whole team a spark from the beginning and prove that he can make a positive difference on and off the ice,” says coach Green.
Mackenzie Walkington – Forward – Saskatoon, SK
Originally from the United Kingdom, Walkington calls Saskatoon home and was inspired by his dad who not only played but also coached for many years at the University of Saskatchewan.
“Hockey runs deep in the Walkington family, and I believe Mac benefits from that and has developed a strong hockey IQ,” says coach Green. “Mac will bring a strong work ethic while being a strong playmaker with a hard shot!”
Walkington has spent time in the SJHL, MJHL, and the OJHL where he had his most successful season with the Soo Thunderbirds, racking up 30 points in 46 games during the 2019-2020 season.
Cameron Shorrock – Forward – De Winton, AB
Shorrock will be entering his sophomore year with the Vikings but will see his first on-ice action this fall for the 2021-22 ACAC season. He played most of his junior career in the SJHL with the Kindersley Klippers, before heading south to play for Bryn Athyn College in the NCAA III.
“I see Cam being a player who can play in all situations for us,” says coach Green. “We will need him to play an in-your-face type of game and be responsible in all three zones and on the penalty kill.”
Zachary Cox – Forward – Rocky View County, AB
Cox brings a wealth of experience to the Vikings, having played over 100 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL. He will enter his second year at Augustana, majoring in Business Management, while seeing his first action in the ACAC this fall.
“Anytime you get a player with a significant amount of major junior experience and was able to achieve success at that level, it becomes exciting to think about what he can accomplish in the ACAC,” says coach Green. “Zach has a big frame and I expect him to be a force on the fore-check and sustain pressure in the offensive zone. I also anticipate Zach will be a positive presence in our dressing room and someone who will always lead by example.”
Tanner Manz – Forward – Southey, SK
Coming from Southey, Manz played his entire junior career in Estevan, Saskatchewan with the Bruins. Proving to be a strong goal scorer in his final season with the Bruins, Manz ended the season with 20 goals.
“Tanner is a player that came highly recommended,” says coach Green. “Tanner should be a player that will be able to provide offense and contribute to the success of our powerplay.”
Much like Shorrock and Cox, Manz will also see the ice for the first time in a Vikings Jersey when they hit the ice this fall for the 2021-22 ACAC season.