The Jackalopes are pleased to announce the 2022-23 leadership team. The team voted Ryan Mansfield as captain. The assistant captains are Dayne Hoyord and Tanyon Bajzer.
Mansfield is in his final year of junior eligibility and has spent both years of his NAHL career with Odessa. Last season, the Burlington, ON native played 56 games and finished fourth on the team in scoring with 32 points. The 19-year-old finished tied for first in assists last season with 20. Already this year, Mansfield is tied for second on the team in points (13) and has the second-most goals (8). Before joining the NAHL, Mansfield played for the Toronto Patriots (OJHL) in 2019-20 and recorded 32 points (10G, 22A) in 50 games. The 5’11”/195lb. left-handed forward had this to say about being selected as the team’s captain, “It’s a privilege representing the Odessa Jackalopes as the captain. We have a lot of guys who are leaders in our locker room, and several guys whose voices hold value to the team.” He went on to add, “I’m honored to be recognized by my teammates and I’m excited for what is to come moving forward with this team. Go Jacks.”
Hoyord has played all 128 of his NAHL games with the Odessa Jackalopes. The Scandinavia, WI native started his rookie season in 2020-21 and tallied 19 points (7G, 12A) in 52 games. Putting him in the top five on the team in scoring. Last season, the 5’10”/195lb. right-handed forward put up 34 points (21G, 13A) in 58 games and finished third in scoring. The Army commit is currently fourth on the team in points (12) and leads the team in assists (10). Hoyord has also represented the South Division twice at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament (1G, 1A). Here is what he had to say about receiving a letter, “It’s a huge honor to be a part of the leadership group. I will do my best to be a great leader and teammate.”
Bajzer is in his second and final season in the NAHL. The Cleveland, OH native played 49 games for Odessa last season and finished sixth in scoring with 29 points. His 18 goals were the third most on the team. Last season Bajzer was also named the South Division Star of the Week – April 4-10, 2022. The 20-year-old has formerly been an assistant captain with St. Edward High (USHS-OH) in 2018-19 as well as being named captain in 2020-21 with Gilmour Academy. So far this season, the 6’1”/170lb. right-handed forward is tied for second in points (13) and is third in scoring (7). Bajzer had this to say about being selected assistant captain by his teammates, “It’s an honor being named assistant captain. I have faith in our leadership group to lead by example day in and day out. Also, to stay true to the culture in our locker room.”
Head Coach Scott Deur has this to say about this year’s leadership group, “I’m very excited for these three players. They have shown leadership potential since day one of wearing the Jackalopes sweater.”
