After five seasons with the Swift Current Broncos, Reid Dyck is headed south for a fresh start.
The graduating goaltender has committed to play for Colgate University in the NCAA.
"I'm super excited," Dyck said as he faced the media one last time in Swift Current. "Once this rule came about that CHL players could play NCAA, I think it's something that's going to kind of change the course of hockey here. It gives a lot of guys other options, which is really exciting, and kind of prolongs their career a bit. I feel like it's a great school, and especially with the degree, I can set myself up for life there."
The Colgate coaches won the former Boston Bruins draft pick over.
"Just my conversation with the coaching staff," Dyck said. "They all made me feel really appreciated, and that's pretty important to me. I want to go somewhere where I feel appreciated and could have a good connection with coaching staff. I felt like that's the best spot I had it."
The 6'4" Winkler, Manitoba, product was drafted by Boston in the 6th round of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Even after a 2023-24 season that saw him named a WHL East Division Second Team All-Star, the Bruins chose not to sign Dyck and left him in limbo coming into his overage season.
"I'm really excited and happy for Reid," said Broncos GM Chad Leslie. "The pressure that Reid was under in regards to being a draft pick and wondering about a pro opportunity and now with the NCAA thing... Reid was a January baby, so to be eligible (for school) all of a sudden, he had to take a full course load when he hadn't been in school for a long time. Reid had a lot on his plate this winter. Once he knew what his plans were for next year, he was able to just relax and play. We saw that in the playoffs. He was outstanding and gave us every opportunity to win."
The future was on Dyck's mind as he neared the end of his junior career without knowing his next step.
"The unknown is always pretty stressful," he noted. "Sometimes it weighs on you a bit, but we have a great staff here and great, great teammates, and they all support everybody along the way. That made it pretty easy. Now I'm just glad I have a spot to go. It's reassuring, and I'm excited for the next chapter here."
Dyck went 71-67-6-2 over his career in Swift Current with a 3.51 goals-against average and .892 save percentage.
With good size and fundamentals, he is hoping some additional development in college hockey could still open professional doors for him.
"The end goal is always pro hockey," Dyck said. "That's still my end goal for sure, and that's another reason why I chose college hockey is they have a longer runway (for developing) both on and off the ice and just set myself up for success."
He was part of a 2019 WHL Draft for Swift Current that produced five NHL Draft picks and turned the franchise around through a long rebuild.
"I kind of feel like I experienced everything here," Dyck said. "We were kind of bottom of the standings, then last year we were one of the best teams in league, right? It's crazy how fast hockey changes. I really do wish we could have brought a championship back to the city, especially that (2004 born) group. We feel we had a really special group, and we were super disappointed we couldn't bring it back here.
"To come in 16 year old (and) leave a 21 year old, it's crazy how much you grow and develop as a person and mature. I'm super glad to be a part of it with all these teammates I had here and this organization. You guys accepted me right away, and really, it feels like home. I'm grateful I got to do it here."