Where are the players from the Blazers 2023 Memorial Cup Team?

Image Credit: Fallsway Marketing & Media | Alex Beckett

Two years ago Kamloops iced one of the deepest rosters in recent memory as they hosted the 2023 Memorial Cup. The Sandman Centre was filled with future pros, and today those names are spread across the hockey world. From NHL arenas to university barns, here is where they are now.

Logan Stankoven became the face of that team and has quickly blossomed into an NHL star. After breaking in with the Dallas Stars he was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes in a blockbuster trade. His playoff debut was unforgettable as he scored twice in his very first game. This summer he signed an eight year contract in Carolina that cements him as a cornerstone forward for the Hurricanes.

Olen Zellweger has made a seamless jump to the NHL with Anaheim. At 22 years old he is already a key part of a young Ducks team, trusted to quarterback the power play and log heavy minutes. His skating and offensive instincts that dazzled Kamloops fans have translated perfectly at the highest level.

Ryan Hofer is carving out his path in the Washington Capitals organization. He split last year between Hershey of the AHL and South Carolina of the ECHL where he scored the league’s Goal of the Year. His size and energy make him a prospect to watch as he pushes for a full time AHL role.

Caedan Bankier is a Minnesota Wild prospect developing in Iowa of the AHL. The big centreman is adjusting well to the pro game and continues to show the two way play that made him so valuable in Kamloops.

Matthew Seminoff was drafted by Dallas and is splitting time between the Texas Stars in the AHL and the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL. Whenever he is in Idaho his scoring touch is obvious and he continues to climb the Stars depth chart.

Kyle Masters is also in the Wild system with Iowa. A smooth skating defender, he has been gaining valuable experience against pro competition while rounding out his defensive game.

Dylan Ernst was the starter in goal during the Memorial Cup run and is now chasing his pro dream. He earned a tryout with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL this fall and is working to lock down his first pro roster spot.

Matthew Kieper has gone the university route and now suits up for the Manitoba Bisons in U Sports. He has already shown that his WHL experience translates well to the college game.

Logan Bairos also chose U Sports and is playing for the Saskatchewan Huskies. His steady play and puck moving have made him a reliable piece of their back end.

Aapo Sarell returned to Finland after his time in Kamloops and continues his career in his home country where he is developing in the Finnish pro system.

Ryan Michael has remained in Kamloops with the Blazers and earned the team’s Most Dedicated Player award. His commitment and work ethic have made him a leader for the younger group.

Emmitt Finnie signed with the Detroit Red Wings and suited up for their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids last season. He is a smart two way forward who continues to develop at the pro level.

Connor Levis moved on to NCAA hockey with Bowling Green State University. He has quickly become an important piece of their forward group and is gaining valuable experience in a strong college conference.

Fraser Minten was originally a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect but was dealt to Boston. He split last year between Providence in the AHL and a stint with the Bruins in the NHL. His strong two way play continues to earn him opportunities.

Daylan Kuefler is in the New York Islanders system and played with their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. He is working to carve out a role with his gritty and hardworking style.

Dylan Sydor transferred from Canadian university hockey to NCAA Division I Alaska. With the Nanooks he is expected to play a key role and showcase the offensive ability he displayed in the WHL.

Jakub Demek is a Vegas Golden Knights prospect who spent time in Henderson of the AHL and Tahoe of the ECHL. He continues to adjust to the North American pro game while showing flashes of his skill.

Shea Van Olm enjoyed a breakout year in the WHL last season where he was a dominant presence. His strong play earned him a commitment to NCAA powerhouse Penn State where he will join forces with top prospect Gavin McKenna.

Ashton Ferster has stayed in Saskatchewan where he plays with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He has embraced the U Sports path and continues to develop his all around game at the college level.

Harrison Brunicke was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and has already begun his pro career in their system. He suited up for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL late last season and even chipped in with his first pro goal. At just 19, he looks like a promising part of Pittsburgh’s future on the back end.

That 2023 roster was stacked with talent and the paths since have been just as diverse. From NHL contracts to NCAA commitments, the Blazers from that spring are still making noise across the hockey world.