Schoonbaert signs pro deal in Kansas City

Bradley Schoonbaert, a graduating forward of the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey team, will be playing professionally south of the border next season.

On Thursday, the Brandon, Manitoba native was announced as the latest signing for the ECHL's Kansas City Mavericks following five years in Calgary.

"When we talked to his coach, he had incredible things to say about Bradley," explained Mavericks assistant coach Riley Weselowski on the team's social media channels. "He was a guy who was relied upon heavily in their locker room in terms of their culture. When the games got tough at the end of the season, he was the guy scoring a lot of big goals for them."

Schoonbaert joined the Dinos in 2018 out of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League where he was the leading scorer for the league champion Steinbach Pistons. He made an early impression in his first taste of Canada West hockey, recording six points (3g, 3a) in his first two games en route to being named U SPORTS Athlete of the Week. He finished his freshman season with six goals and seven assists for 13 points and was named to the conference all-rookie team.

He saved his best for last in the 2022-23 season. In 25 games, Schoonbaert tallied 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points as the Dinos won a Canada West record 23 consecutive regular season games and their first conference title since 1996.

Schoonbaert finished his collegiate career with 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points in 83 conference contests. He added nine points (6g, 3a) in 16 playoff games.

The Mavericks compete in the ECHL's Mountain Division and are coming off a 34-win season in 2022-23 that saw them qualify for the post-season. They are the secondary affiliate for the National Hockey League's Seattle Kraken.

The Dinos return to the ice in September and will begin their title defence at home on Sept. 28 against the MacEwan Griffins. Tickets are on sale now at GoDinos.com or by clicking here, with season ticket packages available for as low as $80.