The Winkler Flyers are proud to announce the commitment of Captain and Winkler product Trent Penner to the NCAA Division 1 University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks Hockey Program.
Penner has played 4 years for his hometown Flyers, suiting up for 164 games where he’s scored 70 goals and 81 assists for 151 points. Almost a point per game! In 2022-23 Trent was named assistant captain, and in 2023-24 named captain of the Orange and Black. Not only has Penner been integral to the team’s success on the ice he has been a big part of its success in the community. Penner has stepped up to volunteer at Salem Home, with Winkler Minor Hockey, Winkler Day Care and many more local organizations to give back to his community.
Penner talked about what lead him to Alaska Fairbanks “I believe Fairbanks is a place where I’ll have the ability to develop my game and get a good education. The great coaching staff and facilities as well as the chance to experience a new part of the world made the decision pretty easy.”
“Trent has been an integral player and person to the Flyers and City of Winkler. A resilient young man he has overcome many moments of adversity throughout the last few seasons and continues to come out stronger. Having the successful season he did is a testament to that. We are excited for him that he gets to continue playing hockey at an elite NCAA Division 1 level while furthering his education at a tremendous program in Alaska Fairbanks. Congratulations to Trent and his family, a well-earned accomplishment.” General Manager and Head Coach Justin Falk and the Flyers Hockey Operations staff could not be happier with the news.
I think playing for the Flyers really prepared me for the next level, the environment and a chance to work with former professional hockey players every day really helped me develop my game. We have a really good group of guys on the team, so it makes it enjoyable coming to the rink every day.” Penner explained how being a Winkler Flyer helped him achieve this goal.
Penner also wanted to send a message to Flyer fans, and our great communities “It’s been an honour to be able to captain the Flyers, being able to play for my hometown Junior A team was a team come true. I’m thankful for the support of the Flyers organization, community of Winkler and the great group of guys I’ve had every year as a Flyer.”
Trent, we are SO proud of you. Watching you grow as a hockey player and person has been incredible. We want to send the warmest wishes to the Penner family as they enter this new endeavour.