Former Terrier traded to Steinbach

Brandon Funk is on the move for the second time in six months.

The forward was traded by the Winnipeg Blues to the Steinbach Pistons in exchange for the MJHL List Rights to Blake Goretzki and Cole Penner. Funk says he is extremely excited to play for a high-calibre franchise like Steinbach.

"There was talk about the trade beforehand. I was stocked to get a trade to Steinbach. I think they're a great organization," Funk explains. "They've had a lot of guys come out of there as better players, and they've helped a lot of guys commit out of there. I'm pumped to just be a part of the organization, and I hope to have a great year."

🚨TRADE ALERT🚨

The Pistons ink their first trade deal of the summer acquiring NCAA Division 1 Commit (@LIUMHockey ) Brandon Funk (‘05) from the Winnipeg Blues.

Welcome to Steinbach Brandon! pic.twitter.com/Dl7LQfJMZW

— Steinbach Pistons (@MJHLPistons) June 1, 2023

Funk played 49 games for the Terriers as a 16-year-old in 2021-22 and put up 13 points in 20 games this season before being traded to Winnipeg when the Terriers brought in defenceman Matt McLeod. 

While the Terriers were a winning team during his 20 games on the team last season, Funk says he's excited for the opportunity to help Steinbach become back-to-back champions.

"I've been in the league for a couple of years now. So, I want to bring my experience to the table and be a part of a winning team this year. Hopefully, I can put everything together. I'll be bringing everything I have this year."

During his time playing for his hometown team, Funk scored 13 goals and dished out 14 assists in 32 games. He says taking on a larger role with the Blues should help him immensely going into the 2023-24 campaign.

"It's just about little steps. I think just playing my game in Winnipeg and being a sponge, soaking in as much information as possible, will be a benefit. I plan to just keep doing my thing and enjoy it along the way."

A big night from Brandon Funk who notched 2 goals and 4 assists including this beauty @BluesWpg 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Wspf9BBj7Q

— #theMJ (@mjhlhockey) January 11, 2023

Funk says it's cool to experience different coaches and locker room atmospheres. He says his time with all three MJHL franchises should bode well for him when he goes off to Long Island University in 2024-25.

The 18-year-old hopes to bring the Pistons back to the Centennial Cup.

"That'd be an experience of a lifetime. It's something that a lot of guys don't get to do. I'm definitely going to be pushing hard for that this yea,r and I think we'll have the team to do it."

Funk plans to produce offensively in Steinbach while also being a team leader from day one.