The Bombers acquired forward Ethan Anstey (02) and goaltender Ben Montgomery (02) from the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for player development fees.
“We’re very excited to acquire Ethan and Ben to our lineup. We believe Ethan is a 200 foot player that skates extremely well. We’ve had our eyes on him since his U18 season with Shawnigan. Ben is a very big goaltender that brings experience and will give us a solid 1-2 punch in net. In order to win a championship we feel you need to have 2 goaltenders that are going to give you a chance to win every single night.” – Bombers Head Coach & GM, Mike Reagan
In 27 games with the Capitals this season, Anstey chipped in with 3 points. The product of Yellowknife, NT, spent the 2020-21 season with the AJHL’s Fort McMurray Oil Barons and had 3 points in 9 games.
After goaltender Max Hildebrand (04) was called up to the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders for the remainder of the season, the Bombers were on the hunt to acquire a goaltender. Montgomery is 6’3 and has over 30 games of Junior “A” experience. The product of Dundas, ON, appeared in 7 games with Cowichan Valley this season and posted a 4.13 GAA & .882 SV%. From 2019 to 2021, Montgomery suited up with the French River Rapids in the NOJHL.
The Bombers backend will also look a bit different as defenceman Ethan McColm (02) was moved to the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks in exchange for a player development fee and future considerations.
McColm suited up in 21 games with the Bombers this season and produced 7 points.
Defenceman Noah Kuntz (02) has decided to stay home and attend the University of Regina and play for the Regina Silver Foxes of the PJHL. Kuntz will remain on the Bombers roster as an affiliate player. The 6’4 defenceman suited up in 17 games this season with the Bombers and chipped in with an assist.
The Bombers have also reassigned forward Mackenzie Carson (02) to the Carrot River Outback Thunder of the PJHL. The Carrot River product had 3 goals in 9 games this season. Carson will remain on the Bombers roster as an affiliate player.