Alumni Spotlight: Brendan Bauer

The Ontario Jr. Reign's primary objective is player development on and off the ice.  

From Waterloo, Ontario, Canada to Ontario, California, Brendan Bauer became a problem for USPHL defenseman when he joined the Jr. Reign late in the 2021-2022 season. In only 11 games, Bauer recorded 26 points and dominated as the OJR would qualify for playoffs for the first time in franchise history, the OJR have qualified for playoffs each season since their inaugural season. 

Before joining the Jr. Reign, Bauer started the year in the GOJHL in Ontario, Canada. Once he landed in Ontario, California, it was smooth sailing for the Waterloo native.   

“I just had a lot of fun. I've never had so much fun playing hockey when I was out there, and we had a really good group of guys,” Bauer said.   

He gave lots of credit to the squad that set him up for success, including his roommate and linemates Aidan Szautner and Junah Croteau, in addition to Head Coach Jeremy Blumes and the rest of the coaching staff that helped him during his time in Southern California. 

“Jeremy was a great coach, great preparation, he had us really prepared for games, whether it be a scouting report for the players to watch on the other team or just player meetings,” Bauer said. “I thought he was a very good communicator, and he definitely wanted the best for his players, and for the team to have success, and for guys to enjoy the experience, and if they had aspirations of getting to the next level, then he would do what he could do to help us out and and get there. “  

Like many of his teammates, Bauer says that the three core fundamentals of “team first, get better everyday, and have fun” is what he continued to carry while playing ACHA hockey at Davenport University in Michigan, where he studies business management.  

Brendan would like to give a special shout-out and thanks to his billet family of Kimberly and Greg.  

“Ontario was a great life experience. I'm very happy that I did it and then ended up at Davenport, in Michigan, and I'm in my third year there, and I'm enjoying it there as well, but, I've got nothing but good things to say of my experience playing for the Jr. Reign.”

The Ontario Jr. Reign congratulates Brendan on his achievements on and off the ice. We will continue to provide our players the foundation to pursue their passions as we uphold our core values of hockey, education, and life skills.

Claim your spot at the upcoming Surf & Turf Showcase for a chance to board the Reign Train, making lifelong memories and developing as a player. The showcase makes its first stop in San Diego April 25-27 before moving to Saskatoon for May 30-June 2. Register now and find more information at the Surf & Turf webpage.