Great things DO happen to great people!
Former Estevan Bruins’ goaltender Keenan Rancier, who starred in net for the black-and-gold during the 2019-20 SJHL season, has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division 1 hockey at Minnesota State Mankato with the Mavericks! The announcement was made by Rancier’s Head Coach with his new club, the Minot Minotauros (NAHL) at team practice on Thursday morning.
Tauros Head Coach Shane Wagner had a very special announcement to make to the team before practice today! Watch the video to see their reaction and use the link below to read the article.
Article: https://t.co/hxedBjbLrl pic.twitter.com/3pi3fvZckp
— Minot Minotauros (@MinotauroHockey) February 4, 2021
Rancier joined the Bruins ahead of the 2019-20 season after finishing his rookie season with the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL), where he served as the backup goaltender as the Spruce Kings won the BCHL title, the Doyle Cup, and lost in the Centennial Cup final to the Brooks Bandits.
Rancier was everything and more for Estevan in 2019-20, playing an SJHL-leading 48 games in goal during the 58-game regular season for the Bruins. Rancier finished with a 25-19-4 record, a 2.91 G.A.A. and a .912 SV% and 2 shutouts as the Bruins finished 6th overall. Rancier took his game to another level in playoffs, with a 1.69 G.A.A. and a staggering .955 SV% in 4 games before the playoffs were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.
Off the ice, Rancier led by example to improve all aspects of his game. Keenan was constantly watching video of himself, his opponents and other goaltenders. Keenan could be seen in the gym daily or around the walking track of Affinity Place working on his reflexes and hand-eye coordination. And Keenan also made himself available to go out in the community and visit kids, attend minor hockey practices or represent the Bruins’ at a community event…always with a smile on his face and a great attitude.
In the offseason, Rancier was taken 39th overall by Minot in the NAHL supplemental draft and decided to join the Minotauros for his final season of Junior ‘A’ eligibility. The NAHL has been able to play hockey during the tumultuous 2020-21 season and through 20 games with Minot, Rancier has a 9-9-2 record posting a 3.07 G.A.A., a .920 SV% and 2 shutouts.
Quote from Rancier on the Minot Minotauros website: “I would like to thank my parents for always being with me through the ups and downs of this journey, my present and past coaches and teammates who helped me get to where I am today. As well as the organizations I’ve played with to help me achieve this goal. Lastly all the mentors that I’ve had and gave me their advice and have guided me through this experience.”
Congrats Keenan! The community of Estevan was fortunate to have you represent the Bruins and wish you the best of luck as you continue your hockey career with Mankato!
