Border Bruins' Bailey joins SJHL's Red Wings

Kyle Bailey (11) of the Grand Forks Border Bruins signed to play in he Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League with the Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings. Bailey split his rookie season between Revelstoke and the Border Bruins.

Grand Forks Border Bruins’ Kyle Bailey turned a strong rookie season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) into a junior A commitment.

The Calgary native says it’s a great feeling to finally move on to the next level with the Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings. 

“I just had a fantastic experience in the KI. I think that definitely helped me,” says Bailey, who was reunited with Elvis Gorontzy-Slack following a trade with the Revelstoke Grizzlies.

The two played together in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League with Banff Academy in 2017-18.

“I think it was good. The league is very competitive,” he says. “It really pushed me my hardest every game and helped me prepare for the next level. It just made me faster, a more physical player for sure. It helped me grow.”

Bailey started the season with the Grizzlies, and after producing four goals and eight points in 18 games, he landed in Grand Forks, where the chemistry with Gorontzy-Slack reignited as he put up 16 goals and 30 points in 23 games.

With the Border Bruins under the guidance of coach John Clewlow, Bailey improved his physical game, learned to keep his head up, improved his speed and his confidence grew.

Bailey thanked Clewlow for allowing him to play to his strengths and giving him opportunities. 

“It was a good decision to go to the KI. It really helped me to develop,” says Bailey. “It was a good development year for me.” 

Bailey decided to follow Gorontzy-Slack to Weyburn because he liked what coach Rich Pilon had to say. It gave him the feeling it will be a good opportunity. Plus, he likes playing with Gorontzy-Slack, making it the third team they are on together.