Saskatoon-born defenceman Ronan Buckberger will join the Nipawin Hawks next season. (submitted photo/Nipawin Hawks)

By Clark Stork

Solid signing

Hawks sign playoff point leader

Jun 6, 2023 | 2:17 PM

The Nipawin Hawks have locked up their leading scorer from last years playoffs with the signing of Saskatoon-born defenceman Ronan Buckberger.

Buckberger, 17, dressed in three games for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) club against Humboldt after the Saskatoon Contacts season concluded. Buckberger added four assists in the trio of games that saw the Hawks fall in five games to the Broncos. General Manager Tad Kozun said adding a player of Buckberger’s ilk is exciting for the franchise.

“It’s one of those signings; it goes a long way, obviously being able to draft him, having his brother (Braxton) here, having him play in the playoffs and just showing the impact he can make as a 16-year-old. Really looking forward to working with Ronan and helping him get where he wants to go,” Kozun said.

During the regular season in U18 AAA Buckberger scored seven goals and added 26 assists. In the postseason he scored once and chipped in six assists in nine games.

Buckberger will slot in with a blue line group that features SJHL defenceman of the year finalist Zander Stewart, four-year veteran Eric Robbie, Western Hockey League alumni Tre Fouquette, plus returnees Cole Fox and team rookie of the year Vito Biondo. Kozun said being able to add Buckberger to the mix allows the team to address other areas of the roster.

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“It’s nice to know we have another guy back there that we can rely on right away,” Kozun said. “I know he is only 17 years old, but he’s one of those special players that can come in and make an impact right away.”

Buckberger will play with older brother Braxton, who will enter his final junior season. The third sibling of the family is Boston, a defenceman who will play for the University of Denver this year. Kozun said both Braxton and Ronan have goals of playing at the highest level, and the organization will work hard to elevate all their players.

“We’re definitely looking forward to challenging them and taking their games to the next level and I know they can get there. In saying that, when you can get a player like this it will change the way your backend looks,” he said.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork

by Clark Stork

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Hawks sign playoff point leader

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