For the second time this month, a member of the Innovex Estevan Bears has committed to play junior hockey in the same city where they played the majority of their minor hockey.
Van Huebner (Weyburn, SK) has committed to play for the Weyburn Red Wings in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) for the 2026-27 season on Sunday, January 18th.
The hulking 6’4 defender, who has also signed an agreement with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds earlier this season, has continued to elevate his game in his first season with the Bears. And Huebner’s strong play did not go unnoticed by his hometown Red Wings.
“In the summer, prior to the draft, we made a point of moving up in the draft to be able to select Van 3rd overall,” said Red Wings Head Coach/GM Cody Mapes in a social media post announcing the signing. ”He’s a local kid that we were only ever going to see in a Red Wings jersey if he plays in the SJHL.”
”We are looking forward to the process of helping him reach his goals of playing in Seattle for the Thunderbirds. He will attend camp in Seattle in the fall with the intentions of playing there. Van and his family know that they have a great landing spot with us as a 17 year old if that day comes.” added Mapes.
Huebner was drafted by Weyburn 3rd overall in the 2025 SJHL U16 Draft. This season, Huebner has posted 18 PTS and 50 PIM’s in 32 games and Huebner’s 6 goals leads all Bears’ defencemen.
Earlier this month, Gunner Moore announced his commitment to play for the Estevan Bruins after playing most of his minor hockey in Estevan. And just a few days ago, Boston Schmidt announced his commitment to play for the Humboldt Broncos in 2026-27.
