Ponoka Stampeders conclude 2025-26 HJHL season

PONOKA -- The Ponoka Stampeders 2025-2026 HJHL season has come to an end.

The Junior B hockey team wrapped up its 2025-2026 season on Jan. 31 with a 16-0 loss to the Sylvan Lake Wranglers on the road. For the Stampeders, the blowout loss dropped their record to a league-worst 1-35-0, marking another difficult year for the local club. Ponoka's lone win this season came on Nov. 1, 2025, when they defeated Airdrie in overtime by a final of 6-5.

Over the past three seasons, the Stampeders have managed to register just three wins in the span of 112 games. Despite this, the 2025-2026 campaign also had its share of bright spots. Brendon Harnack had a strong year for the Stampeders, leading the team in scoring with 23 points in 27 games (8G, 15A). The Blackfalds native also led Ponoka with 3 short-handed goals during the season.

Karter Simpson also recorded a solid year offensively, leading the team in goals with 12 while also finishing the season tied with Kegan Regis for the team lead in powerplay goals (3). Trent Van Blyderveen was also impressive in his short time with the team. The Ponoka native had four goals and one assist in just 8 games played.

Goaltender Ray Musgrove saw the majority of action this past season for the Stampeders, starting in 26 games during the 2025-2026 season. Musgrove led the entire league with 1,104 saves during the year and finished with an .850 save percentage. Jaxson Schmaltz, Nicholas Smith, and Jett Wagner also appeared between the pipes during the season, as Wagner was in goal for Ponoka's only win this season.