Holfeld one of six recruits joining CIS Huskies

Saskatoon, SK – The University of Saskatchewan Huskie men’s hockey team welcomes six recruits to the program for the 2010-11 season, including former Tigers’ goaltender Ryan Holfeld.

Also included in the recruitment class are forwards Craig McCallum, Cody Smuk, defencemen Ryan Funk, Curtis Kulchar and Garrett Thiessen. All look to be an important part of the Huskie roster in 2010-11 and in upcoming years when the Huskies host the CIS University Cup in 2013 and 2014.

All six recruits previously played in the Western Hockey League.

Holfeld spent three full seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers before leaving to play with the Victoria Grizzlies in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. The Leroy, Sask., native finished his WHL career with a 64-39-9-4 record with a 2.85 goals against average and a .896 save percentage. Holfeld was on the 2007 WHL championship team. With Victoria, he finished with a 17-10 record and a 2.55GAA.

“The Huskies are a quality team, are always at the top of the standings, and are close to my home. It really was a no brainer decision for me,” said Holfeld. “I have a strong work ethic and I really think I can help motivate the guys to get back to the finals. I’ll do what it takes to help the team.”

With the Huskies, Holfeld joins former Tigers fan favorite Brennan Bosch.

Morden, Man., native Funk spent four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades before splitting time with the Kamloops Blazers and Vancouver Giants during his final season in the Western Hockey League. The 6-0, 188 pound multipurpose defenceman tallied 15 goals, 56 assists and 454 penalty minutes in 276 career WHL games.

“After playing with the Blades for four seasons, I had great connections to the city,” said Funk, who wore the ‘C’ for the Blazers. “I have strong leadership abilities and am strong defensively. It will be a little different not being the older guy on the team. But I like the CIS game and look forward to stepping up and using my speed and strength to help the Huskies.”

Kulchar, a 6-1, 190 pound defenceman, spent time with the Regina Pats, Kamloops Blazers, Vancouver Giants and Everett Silvertips during his WHL career. In 162 games, the Martensville, Sask., native scored four goals, 12 assists with 153 penalty minutes. Kulchar also won two Telus Cup championships with the Prince Albert Mintos in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

“I am a solid defenceman that is all over the ice and I have a strong work ethic on and off the ice,” said Kulchar. “I hope the transition into the CIS will be smooth as possible. Having to adjust to balancing hockey and school again is a challenge I am looking forward to.”

Warriors assistant captain Smuk tallied 23 goals, 49 assists and 323 penalty minutes in 271 games on the left wing. He started his WHL career with the Chilliwack Bruins in their inaugural season before playing with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and then the Warriors. Smuk is a 5-11, 195 pound Saskatoon native.

McCallum from Canoe Lake First Nation spent time with the Edmonton Oil Kings before leading the Prince Albert Raiders in scoring in 2009-10. The 5-10, 166 pound right winger scored 72 points including 45 assists in 72 games in 2009-10 and was chosen the Raiders’ best defensive forward.

“The Huskies have a good program and they’re going to host nationals while I’m in a uniform,” said McCallum. “I don’t know if there’s any place better to play.”

Prince George Cougars captain Thiessen, 6-1, 200-pounds, also spent time in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders and Kamloops Blazers. In 249 games, Thiessen tallied two goals, 23 assists and 526 penalty minutes.

Funk and Holfeld will enter the College of Arts & Science, while Kulchar will study in the College of Kinesiology. Thiessen will enter the transition program.

The Huskies will open the 2010-11 Canada West season on the road on October 1 & 2 against provincial rival the University of Regina Cougars. They return home to Rutherford Rink October 15 to take on those same Cougars.

2010-11 Men’s Hockey Recruits:
Ryan Funk, Kamloops Blazers, Defence
Ryan Holfeld, Medicine Hat Tigers, Goaltender
Curtis Kulchar, Everett Silvertips, Defence
Craig McCallum, Prince Albert Raiders, Forward
Cody Smuk, Moose Jaw Warriors, Forward
Garrett Thiessen, Prince George Cougars, Defence