Kamloops Broncos brace for hard lessons in rebuilding season

Daniels was hired in the off-season, joining a team that posted an 0-10 record in 2025 and has not qualified for the B.C. Conference post-season since 2015.

“It’s a new era for us,” said Ethan Saggers, a rookie receiver from Kent, England. “We can put that in the past and I hope with this new team, these younger guys, we stick around for quite a while, move on together and make it something good.”

The Broncos – 3-27 over the past three seasons – are inexperienced at the junior level, with an average age of 18 in a league with a maximum age of 22.

“We’re young – we’re real young,” said Deacon Adam O’Ray, a second-year offensive lineman. “We’re not going to be as big, we’re not going to be as strong. We might not be as fast, but there is a lot of heart out here.”

Added Daniels: “It comes down to good technique, strong fundamentals and good discipline. That kind of style of play will help them facilitate the growth they need to compete against the older athletes.”

The roster of more than 60 includes about 10 returnees from last year and 10 players from Kamloops.

Defensive captain Mitch Landry of Kamloops and offensive captain Owen Stockbruegger of Salmon Arm are among key returnees.

“They come with a lot of experience and a grizzled sort of edge,” Daniels said. “Those guys are going to set the tone for what we want to achieve.”

The Broncos lost arguably their best player over the off-season, when receiver Colton Meikle of Kamloops – a B.C. Lions’ prospect – joined the Okanagan Sun of Kelowna.

“Colton and I had been in conversation since I took over the job,” Daniels said. “We’ve had great conversations. I’m really happy for him. I think his success is also our success in a way. His future is bright and so we want to make sure he has every opportunity he needs. We’re in a rebuild. He needs a little bit more and I think where he’s landed now is really great for his career and I wish him all the best.”

Daniels said the club has not yet named its starting quarterback.

Cole Rigler of Kamloops, a standout for the South Kamloops Titans, is among the candidates, along with JR Howdle of Lloydminster, Alta., Gabriel Gilmour of Vernon and Colt Kardash of Airdrie, Alta.

“At the end of the day, it’s still a competition,” Daniels said. “We’ll find out by midweek.”

The Broncos pride themselves on graduating players who snare post-secondary scholarships and chase professional dreams.

O’Ray is aware development this season is likely to be accompanied by ample learning lessons in defeat.

“The way I see it is I’m blessed with the opportunity to get to compete against guys who might be going to the pros next year, who might be going to play D1 next year,” O’Ray said. “Getting tape against those guys is what matters. Win or lose, you’re here to develop.”

by Marty Hastings

Kamloops Broncos brace for hard lessons in rebuilding season

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