Photo credit: Game Ready Photography 

The Bonnyville Pontiacs have announced that Brandon Whistle has signed a professional contract next season with the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League in Great Britain. Head Coach and General Manager of the Jr. A Pontiacs, Rick Swan, says the team is “extremely excited” for Whistle.

Whistle averaged .97 points per game (100 points) as a Bonnyville Pontiac, playing 106 games from 2015 to 2018 and was an Assistant Captain.

“Brandon has elite vision, protects the puck exceptionally and possesses a pro shot.  He developed tremendously both as a player and as a person during his time as a Pontiac,” said Swan. “Our organization and our community could not be prouder of Brandon’s accomplishment and we all wish him a long professional career in Europe.”

Whistle is said to have turned down opportunities to go to Division 1 teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, instead choosing to turn professional and play for the same team as his brother Jackson. “Brandon shows an eagerness to prove himself and kick-start his professional career as he qualifies as a British player under EIHL rules,” explained Swan. Brandon’s father David played professional hockey for seven seasons in Europe and another eleven as a professional coach. David also coached the Great Britain Men’s National Team.