Bonnyville talent Rylan Emigh signs with Pontiacs

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are making off-season news by signing a local hockey talent.

Rylan Emigh signed a letter of intent to join the Yaks for the upcoming season, the team confirmed on Monday.

“I’d like to thank the Pontiacs organization for this opportunity,” said Rylan Emigh in a press release. 

“Also, I would like to thank my coaches, teammates and billet family for two great development years at PHA as well as my family for their continued support of my pursuits.”

Emigh proved to be one of the best scorers at the the U18 Prep Prairie Hockey Academy. In 2024-25, he produced 13 goals and 41 assists for 54 points in 35 games played.

The Saskatchewan based academy allowed Emigh’s tenacious two-way play to flourish, including finishing 10th in the entire CSSHL in scoring.

This continues an off-season with more local flavour, after the re-hiring of Chad Mercier.

“Playing for the Pontiacs is the right fit for me for a number of reasons,” said Emigh.

“First, I like the direction the management group is taking to continue building the organization. I’m excited to help work towards shaping that culture.

“Second, I appreciate the focus the Pontiacs have on helping develop players to get to the next level.

“Third, being raised in Bonnyville and being a hometown kid, it was important for me to get back here again with my family and play for the team I grew up watching. Fans can expect a competitive, hardworking, 200-foot player who is responsible in the d-zone and can find teammates in the o-zone.”

Emigh not only hails from town, but his family has been rooted within the organization over the years.

His dad, Chad, was part of the inaugural Pontiacs’ squad back in 1991, suiting for three seasons with the club. Older brother Cam also played parts of two seasons with the team from 2020-2022, before finding a better fit in the SJHL.

After impressive showings in the past two Spring Camps, the Pontiacs organization is high on what Emigh can provide.

“Rylan is a great addition for the Pontiacs as he has spent the last two seasons at Prairie Hockey Academy where he grew and honed all areas of his game,” said Pontiacs general manager Chad Nelson.

“Rylan was a top ten scorer in the CSSHL U18 Prep league, and even more exciting than his offensive skills, is how he can impact the game in a variety of ways. It’s a privilege to get the opportunity to work with Rylan and bring him back home to the Pontiacs.”