WINNIPEG, September 24, 2026
As the Winnipeg Monarchs embark on their 2026–27 Manitoba Junior Hockey League campaign, continuity, character, and hard-nosed work ethic are at the forefront. To lead the charge into the new season, the organization has officially named blue-liners Jonah Vanderhorst and Wyatt Kelman as co-captains, both wearing the ‘C’ on their jerseys.
Flanking the dynamic back-line duo is a strong veteran core of alternate captains: forwards Nick Campbell, Idris Alameddine, Coltan White alongside defensemen Rhett McAuley.
With all six members of the leadership core having suited up for the Monarchs last season, head coach and management are leaning heavily into established locker-room chemistry to guide a hungry, developing squad.
“The votes from their peers to go along with what our hockey operations group predicted before the team vote made it a pretty easy choice for us to name Jonah and Wyatt captains. Two different personalities and they compliment each other very well and I’m really looking forward to working with them on building this program.”
-Riley Dudar, Head Coach & GM of the Winnipeg Monarchs
Dual Pillars on the Blue Line
Co-Captain: Jonah Vanderhorst
Standing 6-foot-4, Winnipeg native Jonah Vanderhorst brings a commanding physical presence and valuable MJHL experience to the Monarchs’ back end. Having spent time across the league with Virden and the Freeze before establishing himself in a 35 regular-season contest for the Monarchs in 2025–26, Vanderhorst has earned respect as a vocal, reliable anchor on and off the ice.
“It’s an honour to know that both the players and coaching staff have put their trust in me to lead this team, and push everyone to be better. It’s an exciting role to be in and I look forward to working hard with the team this season and leading by example and helping bring this team success.”
-Jonah Vanderhorst, Co-Captain of the Winnipeg Monarchs
Co-Captain: Wyatt Kelman
Hailing from Headingley, MB, 6-foot-2 defenseman Wyatt Kelman brings elite hockey IQ and poise to the leadership group. A product of the RINK Hockey Academy and a WHL Prospects Draft selection, Kelman proved to be a workhorse on the Monarchs’ blue line last season, dressing in 47 games and demonstrating steady, dependable minute-eating capability.
“It’s a huge honour to captain this group, we have such a special group and being a leader with a group that’s committed to getting better and striving to win hockey games makes it exciting. In the past being a part of leadership groups i’ve learned that the easiest way to lead others is to lead your self and set a standard by working hard and having a positive mindset. My team goals is to make myself and the people around me better by working hard and taking in all the resources our coaches and staff have to offer, and on top of that winning hockey games.”
-Wyatt Kelman, Co-Captain of the Winnipeg Monarchs
A Solidified Core of Alternates
Complementing Vanderhorst and Kelman are four returning stalwarts who understand the identity the Monarchs want to build:
- Nick Campbell (F): Fresh off a heroic 3-star, hat-trick performance in the team’s thriller against the Winnipeg Blues, Campbell brings relentless offensive drive and high energy.
- Idris Alameddine (F): A skilled, versatile forward who tallied 16 points in 46 games for Winnipeg last season, Alameddine brings a craftiness and leadership presence to the forward corps.
- Rhett McAuley (D): A imposing 6-foot-3 defender from Brandon, McAuley provides physical edge, gritty defensive play, and key penalty-killing instincts.
- Colton White (F): Rounding out the attacking leadership presence, White returns to provide depth, leadership, and reliability across all 200 feet of the ice.
“To me, leadership means setting a good example, working hard, and being there for your teammates. I came back because I love being part of this team and wanted to keep working toward our goals. For the rookies, I want to show them how to work hard, stay positive, and be a good teammate.”
-Nick Campbell, Alternate Captain of the Winnipeg Monarchs
Home Opener Tomorrow at Hockey for All Centre
The new leadership group will take the ice in front of the home crowd for the very first time tomorrow night, Friday, September 25.
The Monarchs (0–1–1) host their highly anticipated Home Opener against the Winkler Flyers (0–2–0) at the hockey for all centre. With Winnipeg already owning a dramatic 6–5 pre-season victory over Winkler earlier this month, the stage is set for a high-octane battle as the Monarchs hunt for their first two points of the regular season.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM. Tickets will be available at the door 1 hour before puck drop.
Written by: Devin Racicot
