11 Ice Hawks from last year’s PJHL Championship team
are returning for the 2023-24 season!
Yuji Akimoto
2022-23 Stats: 42 GP, 17 G, 32 A, 78 PIM
Yuji was awarded Best Defenseman and Team MVP for the Hawks last season.
“Yuji was a driving force of our team last year. He is a super competitive and motivated player hungry to defend our league title. Yuji was 2nd in league scoring for D last year and will be a force to be reckoned with this season,” said Coach Steve.
Ryan Bal
2022-23 Stats: 39 GP, 4 G, 27 A, 10 PIM
Coach Steve says, “Ryan returns for his 3rd and final year as a Hawk to patrol the blue line make savvy smart plays and transitions the puck as well as any D in our league. He plays in all situations for our team and was a huge part of our championship run last year. We’re excited to have Ryan back to help defend our title.”
Danylo Bereza
2022-23 Stats: 33 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 42 PIM
Danny is on his way back from his summer in Ukraine visiting his Mom to make his return to Delta for his 17-year-old season.
“Dany was an effective player in his limited role last year. Always one of the hardest workers, determined to improve his game, I’m confident that Dany will be an impact forward this year. Super happy to have him back with the Hawks!” – Coach Steve
Tye Hemenway
2022-23 Stats: 33 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 42 PIM
Tye had a great rookie season last year and established himself as a Top 4 D-man.
Coach Steve says: “Tye is one of the best all-around D-men in the league. His poise, first pass, and ability to make plays sets him apart, & we excited to see how he develops and improves. Tye is a key player & a core part of this team in our quest to repeat as league champs.”
Colin Jang
2022-23 Stats: 33 GP, 6 G, 19 A, 42 PIM
Colin came in from the NE Chiefs U17 squad and put up point per game numbers in his rookie season.
From Coach Steve: “Jang is a natural playmaker with great vision, patience, and poise. His game grew throughout the season as he adjusted and rounded his game. He was one of our top forwards in playoffs and I’m certain he is going to be a big part of our team.”
Austin Kofler
2022-23 Stats: 32 GP, 5 G, 4 A, 20 PIM
Austin originally signed with Delta as a 16-year-old and after his 17 year was lost to Covid, he played in Europe for a year during 21/22 before returning home.
“Austin returned last year and picked right back up where he left off, using his size, speed, and skills to impact the game. His game grew stronger throughout the year and in the playoffs, he played a huge role in our success leading to league championship,” said Coach Steve.
Aiden McGregor-Bennett
2022-23 Stats: 42 GP, 9 G, 8 A, 34 PIM
Aiden had a very good rookie season last year, cracking the roster from spring skates.
“Mac is a hard-working, two-way player who is probably one of the fastest skaters in the league, let alone our team. Mac has all the tools and is figuring out his game, and we expect him to take a big step this year with a more prominent role and opportunity,” said Coach Steve.
Carson Merriman
2022-23 Stats: 44 GP, 25 G, 57 A, 32 PIM
He won team awards for Most Improved and Best Forward for his efforts last season.
Coach Steve says: “Carson led the team in assists while improving 32 points from the past season. As dominant as he is offensively, he is just as much so defensively, making him one of the best all around players in the league. We’re excited to have him back to defend our title.”
Conner Merriman
2022-23 Stats: 42 GP, 35 G, 28 A, 53 PIM
Conn went from 15 goals in his rookie year to 35 goals last season, the 2nd-highest season total for last year’s team.
From Coach Steve: “Conner can flat out shoot the puck and score goals. He was a huge part of our team the past two seasons, especially last year, he became a dominant PK player as well to add to his already potent arsenal of skills he brings to the Hawks lineup.”
Zach Shaughnessy
2022-23 Stats: 25 GP, 19 W, 5 L, 0.927 SV%, 1.92 GAA
Zach had an unbelievable rookie season and we are happy to have him back in blue and gold.
From Coach Steve: “Zach made a case for major awards with the best stat line in the league for goalies last season. He was consistently one of the best goalies start to finish. We’re super excited to Zach chose to return to Delta and lead our team on its quest to repeat.”
Jacob Zillich
2022-23 Stats: 5 GP, 2 W, 2 L, 0.891 SV%, 1.91 GAA
Zilly has been part of our program for long time as a young AP goalie and Jacob spent most of last season as our 3rd goalie, playing a handful of games.
From Coach Steve: “Zilly’s play pushed hard for a roster spot last year. He was part of the team; worked hard every practice and team workout to earn his spot and help his team. We are pleased to reward his dedication with a full time roster spot for the upcoming 23/24 season.”
