Hockey X-Men to boast plenty of new faces

By Corey LeBlanc

Veteran head coach Brad Peddle described the offseason for the STFX X-Men varsity hockey program as "challenging and eventful."

Describing it as the "NCAA effect" – the decision by the university sports' governing body south of the border that now allows Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players to skate at the U.S. college level – has "changed the landscape," with an increased movement of student-athletes moving between the countries to pursue opportunities in the sport.

"It will affect some more than others," Peddle said of programs in Atlantic University Sport (AUS).

Heading into the 2025-26 campaign, the White and Blue had some players decide to make the move to the NCAA, while they also experienced losses through graduation.

Nevertheless, Peddle stressed, the X-Men – with plenty of new faces – are focused on battling game-in and game-out in another highly competitive conference campaign.

In the crease, the former STFX defenceman expects his team to boast a "strong 1-2 punch" made up of sophomore Patrick Leaver (Perth, ON) – who Peddle noted gained plenty of experience last season – and freshman Jack Milner (Antigonish, NS), who skated with the Truro Bearcats in the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) in 2024-25.

"He is someone we are very familiar with," he offered of the Antigonish Minor Hockey Association product, who also played for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

Peddle added, "Jack checks all the boxes," noting his ability and tireless work ethic, describing Milner as the type of student-athlete they are looking for with the X-Men program.

Junior Charlie Callaghan, who earned an AUS first-team all-star nod last season, will anchor the White and Blue defense, along with fellow third-year rearguard Raegan Wiles (Calgary, AB) and senior Mark Woolley (St. Thomas, ON).

"They are going to play a big role for us," Peddle said of that trio of returnees.

Newcomers to the blue-line include Drew Maddigan (Hammonds Plains, NS), Aaron Brown (Belleville, ON), Logan Cunningham (Yellowknife, NWT) and Brandon Casey (Grand Falls-Windsor, NL) – a first-year transfer from the University of Manitoba – who are expected to provide talent and depth, along with size and mobility.

"I like where we are," Peddle offered of the X-Men's defence corps.

Returning forwards with the White and Blue include senior Logan Chisholm (Antigonish, NS), fifth-year Connor Roberts (Owen Sound, ON), sophomores Ben Mercer (Halifax, NS) and Ryan Struthers (Milton, ON). Cole Stewart (Moncton, NB) is back for his second season with the White and Blue and final year of eligibility, having previously played at Nipissing University, while Antonino Pugliese (Hamilton, ON) returns after joining the program after Christmas last season.

They also bolstered their experience with newcomers Jordan Hughesman (Winnipeg, MB), who skated with Merrimack College in Massachusetts.

"We expect him to make an impact offensively," Peddle offered of forward Matt Cato (Whitby, ON), who skated with the University of Vermont in the NCAA.

When it comes to newcomers Lucas Canning (Stellarton, NS) and Dominik Godin (Sudbury, ON) – who were high point-getters in the MHL – he said that they "will be relied on to make an offensive impact."

Peddle added, "They are hard to play against and they will bring a lot to our forwards."

Ryan McGuire (Burlington, ON) is expected to make an impact, as Peddle noted he "looked very good in pre-season play."

Logan O'Neil (Sydney, NS), Jack MacDonald (Antigonish, NS), Cameron Mercer (Barrie, ON)  and Nathan Casey (Grand Falls-Windsor, NL) will provide depth up front, according to the X mentor, who is entering his 21^st season at the helm of the White and Blue.

"We have a good but very young group," Peddle noted of his forwards.

Despite the challenges and transition during the off-season, he explained that – "from the outset" of training camp – the X-Men coaching staff and leaders – stressed that they "were not going to use our youth as an excuse."

Peddle added, "We focused on having everyone ready to jump in right away," which includes making the commitment to bringing the intensity required into every practice and game.

"Our focus as a program will not change," he said of maintaining its "consistent identity" – being "hard to play against" – both offensively and defensively.

And, of course, maintaining a team approach.

"We will need everyone to pull on the rope the same way and play their role," Peddle offered.

As for what he expects from the AUS field, he noted that there are a couple of experienced teams which are "really strong."

"As usual, there will be no easy nights," Peddle said, reiterating that teams "no doubt" are dealing with that aforementioned "NCAA effect."

When asked what the focus for the X-Men program will be this season, he offered "getting better each week," while focusing on "where we are in February," in the home stretch of the regular season.

The White and Blue will begin that journey with a tough road trip on opening weekend of the 2025-26 AUS regular season with match-ups versus the UPEI Panthers on Friday, Oct. 3, and defending conference champions – the UNB REDS – on Saturday, Oct. 4. Start time for both games is 7 p.m.

After a third consecutive away game – on Wednesday, Oct. 8, against the Dalhousie Tigers – the X-Men will host Les Aigles Bleus de Moncton on Saturday, Oct. 11, in their home opener.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at STFX's Keating Centre.

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