Nelson Leafs' Brad Boyarski commits to ACHA's D1 McKendree University

Boyarski, a 6-foot-1 forward, will join the McKendree Bearcats hockey program next fall.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 7:05pm

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Brad Boyarski, a forward for the Nelson Leafs in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, has committed to play Division 1 hockey for the McKendree University Bearcats in the American Collegiate Hockey Association next season. Boyarski, a Calgary native, completed his third and final season with the Leafs, focusing on improving his consistency and attention to detail away from the puck.

Why it matters

Boyarski's commitment to McKendree University represents an important milestone in his hockey career, as he transitions from junior hockey to the collegiate level. His development and growth as a player during his time with the Leafs have prepared him for this next chapter, where he will look to contribute to the Bearcats' program and continue his academic and athletic pursuits.

The details

Boyarski, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound forward, recorded 6 goals and 10 points in 40 games for the Leafs this past season. He emphasized the importance of being reliable in all three zones and playing the right way in any situation, which was a priority for him. Leafs head coach Gianni Mangone, who previously coached Boyarski with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, praised the player's work ethic and commitment to improving both on and off the ice.

  • Boyarski completed his third and final season with the Nelson Leafs in the 2025-26 season.
  • Boyarski will join the McKendree University Bearcats hockey program in the fall of 2026.

The players

Brad Boyarski

A 6-foot-1, 180-pound forward who recently completed his junior hockey career with the Nelson Leafs in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

Gianni Mangone

The head coach of the Nelson Leafs, who previously coached Boyarski with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats and praised his work ethic and commitment to improvement.

McKendree University Bearcats

The Division 1 hockey program in the American Collegiate Hockey Association that Boyarski has committed to join for the 2026-27 season.

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What they’re saying

“Being reliable in all three zones and playing the right way in any situation was a priority. I focused on earning trust and holding myself to a consistent standard.”

— Brad Boyarski

“He consistently came to the rink eager to learn and worked hard to better himself both on and off the ice. He was a big part of our community and team culture, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he helps his new team grow as a program.”

— Gianni Mangone, Head Coach, Nelson Leafs

“I'm very excited and grateful to commit to McKendree University and continue my academic and hockey career. I'm looking forward to getting to work as a Bearcat. Thank you to the coaches who've invested in my development, the teammates I've competed with, the billet families who opened their homes to me, and my family for always having my back.”

— Brad Boyarski

What’s next

Boyarski will join the McKendree University Bearcats hockey program in the fall of 2026 and look to contribute to the team's success in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1.

The takeaway

Boyarski's commitment to McKendree University represents the culmination of his hard work and development during his junior hockey career with the Nelson Leafs. His focus on improving his all-around game and earning the trust of his coaches has positioned him well to make an impact at the collegiate level as he continues his academic and athletic pursuits.