The Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers are proud to announce the signing of 2008 born defenceman Rhett Romanchuk of the Lloydminster Lancers in the AEHL U18, as well as the signing of 2008 born local forward Austin Schafer for the 2026-2027 season.
Romanchuk, who is from Lloydminster, is currently in his third season with the Lloydminster Lancers U18 AAA team. He has produced offensively at a point per game rate this season, contributing 9 goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 31 contests, and has also added 36 penalty minutes. In addition to his duties with the Lancers, Romanchuk has also suited up for 2 games with the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL) and 2 games with the Vermillion Tigers (NEAJBHL).
Schafer, who hails from right in Kindersley, is currently in his final year of U18 AAA playing for the Saskatoon Contacts. In 29 games so far this season he has totalled 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points, adding 22 penalty minutes. Prior to suiting up for the Contacts he also played for the Battlefords Stars, adding 15 goals and 19 assists for 34 points in 44 contests a season ago. In two games with the Klippers this season he has added a goal and an assist. Austin is a product of the West Central Wheat Kings organization, having spent time with their U13 AA, U15 AA and U18 AA programs prior to playing in the SMAAAHL.
General Manager Ryan Gibson had high praise for both signings.
On Romanchuk, Gibson said:
“Rhett is a player our staff did a great job identifying and tracking early in the season. He is a long, mobile defender who is going to help our team at both ends of the ice. It is hard to find players that have the combination of size, skating ability, and IQ that Rhett possesses. He plays a style of game we want our defenceman to play. Rhett had multiple options when it came down to choosing where he wanted to play his junior hockey, and he ultimately chose Kindersley as the program he wanted to play for and develop with, that is very special for us as a staff.”
On Schafer, Gibson added:
“Getting Austin signed for next season is something we are very excited about as a staff. He is a player who always does what is asked of him, and is willing to put team success first. He plays a hard nosed style of hockey, and has always found a way to contribute offensively at every level he has played at growing up. He has also had some early success in two games with us this year as an AP.
It is of course also special to add another local talent to our roster for next season. We are very proud of the amount of local players that we have been fortunate enough to have come through here over the last couple years. It will be very special to see Austin reunite with former teammates and friends Cam and Cobe Perlinger, Ethan Sautner, Pryce Thiessen, and Kaegan Lowe next fall.”
Both players shared their excitement about joining the Klippers.
Romanchuk said:
“I was immediately intrigued by Kindersley due to the culture, development opportunity, competitiveness and a great history of moving players onto the next level! It was an opportunity that me and my family knew would help me develop my skill at the junior level right away.”
Schafer added:
“I couldn’t be happier to sign with the Klippers. They are a great organization with a great staff and a great group of players. I can’t wait to get to work with them and work towards bringing a banner back to Kindersley.”
The Klippers organization would like to welcome Rhett, the entire Romanchuk family, Austin, and the entire Schafer family to the organization.
