The Ironmen start 2026–27 looking to lay a fresh foundation following a challenging 2025–26 season that concluded with a Harold Brittain Conference first-round playoff sweep by White Rock. With a clear eye on upward mobility, turning around special teams execution – which finished last season at 6.7% (8th in the Conference) on the power play and 69.5% (8th) on the penalty kill – alongside tightening up defensive structure will be vital priorities as the club turns the page.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Quinton Shields (F): Entering his crucial 20-year-old season, Shields acts as the emotional and cultural heartbeat of the club. The Ironmen staff will lean heavily on his veteran presence to drive leadership and mentorship for a younger roster while providing reliable, night-in-and-night-out production.
Owen Bell (D): A smooth-skating, steady presence on the blueline, Bell returns to anchor the Ironmen defence with poise and reliability. Aldergrove is looking for the 2007-born blueliner to step into an expanded leadership role and log heavy minutes on the back end.
John Aantjes (D): Arriving from the Vancouver Whales program after gaining valuable experience as an affiliate with the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs in the BC Elite Hockey League, Aantjes brings high-end potential. The 2009-born blueliner’s steady development has him primed to break out and make an immediate impact this season.
Byrnell Roberts (F): Roberts, an Okanagan Hockey Ontario product, brings a robust 200-foot game to Aldergrove. A versatile forward capable of handling any situation, the 2008-born forward’s work ethic and composure will provide a major boost to the Ironmen’s group up front.
HOME OPENER: Friday, Sept. 11 vs. Port Moody Panthers
IRONMEN BY THE NUMBERS (2025-26)
- Team record: 1-43-0 (2 points)
- Home: 1-21-0 (2 points)
- Away: 0-22-0 (0 points)
- Harold Brittain Conference ranking: 8th
- 2026 PJHL Playoffs: lost Brittain Conference Quarterfinals (White Rock)
- Goals for: 67 (8th)
- Goals against: 295 (8th)
- Power play: 6.7% (8th – Brittain)
- Penalty kill: 69.5% (8th – Brittain)
