Veller looking to finish time with Bombers on top
Defenceman Kaden Veller, like many 20-year-olds, is reflective in his final year of junior hockey.
The Macklin, Saskatchewan native is one of eight players on the Bombers that will graduate from the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) following this season.
“I have definitely not taken any minute of it for granted and am just trying to enjoy every day of being at the rink with the guys because it goes by fast,” Veller said. “And being a captain has been more of a responsibility of course, but I’m just trying to lead by example on and off the ice to the best of my ability.”
The Bombers began the season with a 4-1 record in September which was followed by a 6-2-1-0 mark in October. The team struggled in November with two victories in seven games and head into the New Year with a 15-9-1-0 record (3-1-0-0 December).
“We have faced some adversity and learning how to overcome lots of it. There have been a couple of upsetting losses, but we don’t take them as a loss, we take them as a learning experience. That approach has had a big impact on us since the start of the year.”
Veller also pointed to the fact that just ten points separates five teams in the standings entering 2026, noting “this has been the tightest the league has been in the three seasons I’ve been here. It just shows how you can’t expect anything. You have to work for everything no matter what team you are playing because every team in this league can beat every other team on a single night.”
Veller has pointed to a pair of teammates who have had good years.
“Draeden Bear has been a great addition to the team as a 20-year-old and is one of are hardest workers every game and every morning at practice,” Veller added. “Olan Norton has also had a big impact on the team as a rookie. He’s been playing some big minutes and has impressed all of us.”
Veller dressed against the Thunder Bay North Stars on November 21, 2025 for his 100th regular season game. He also made his Bombers debut on September 22, 2023 against the North Stars.
Veller admits “Reaching that mark made me think ‘wow this has flew by fast’. It also made me think back to the first time I put on a Bombers jersey, and how special the last three years have been to me.”
Veller has hopes to continue playing at the College level while furthering his education in business.
JANUARY 2026 SCHEDULE
Friday 9th @ Red Lake Miners
Saturday 10th @ Red Lake Miners
Friday 16th @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Saturday 17th @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Tuesday 20th vs. Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Friday 23rd @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday 24th @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday 30th vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Saturday 31st vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
