After a successful season, the Virden Oil Capitals have had two local products commit to new opportunities and last week signed another player for next season.
Braeden Lewis, the son of Virden’s Dale and Tracy Lewis has committed to play at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont. Also headed the U Sports route is fellow Virdenite Grady Lane. The son of Stacey and Craig Lane chose to continue his academic and hockey career at the University of Manitoba.
“Being close to home, the business program, and the coaching staff is what brought me to U of M,” he said. “I also know some guys that will be on the team this year and am excited for my parents, sister, and girlfriend to be able to watch our home games.”
The 2003-born forward had 14 goals and 30 points in 41 games for the Oil Capitals this past season. His junior career also included time with the Oil Caps’ Manitoba Junior Hockey League foe the Winkler Flyers as well as the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs and Victoria Royals.
Lewis, also a 2003-born forward, totaled 40 points in 36 games for the Oil Caps in 2023-2024. He scored 12 goals. Lewis spent most of his junior career with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos.
New Signing
The team has inked 2006-born forward Carson Wright for next season. The 5-foot-9, 155-pounder from Calgary suited up last winter for his hometown U18 AAA Northstars. He had 11 goals and 24 points in 35 games.
