He made his debut in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in the 2022-23 season.
One regular-season game, and then he was thrown right into the fire. 10 playoff games that year. He helped the Portage Terriers beat the Niverville Nighthawks in the first round. In round two, heartbreak. Joey Bielik scored in double overtime as the Oil Capitals downed Brett Magarrell and the Terriers in seven games to advance to the league final.
Magarrell returned to Portage to begin the 2023-24 season, but he only played 30 games in the Green and White that season. Doug Hedley acquired the rear guard in a trade with Blake Spiller. Just like that, Magarrell was a King. Brett was familiar with Dauphin when he arrived.
His dad, Jon, played 135 regular-season games with the Kings and 13 more in the playoffs.
Now, two and a half years after joining the Blue and White, Brett's junior career is over. Magarrell played 111 regular-season games with the Kings. He also played 26 playoff contests, including all 18 last year when the Kings advanced to the Turnbull Cup Final.
Back home, getting set to work this summer on the farm, Brett is reflecting on his junior career and time in the City of Sunshine.
"It was a blast. Dauphin was a great spot, and I had the chance to spend time with some family," said Magarrell. "Credit Union Place is beautiful, and we had a great dressing room. Our team was solid all three years I was here."
Brett says the team's playoff runs, especially last year, are among his fondest memories while in Dauphin.
"Just hanging out with the guys and ice fishing with them," continued Magarrell. "Being around the locker room, pretty special moments."
Before the Christmas break, Brett sent an email to the coach at the University of Jamestown. He wanted to join their men's hockey team while studying in their Agriculture Business course. The coach quickly got back to Brett, and the rest is history.
Brett signed on the dotted line and will officially pack up his bags and move to Jamestown next season. The Jimmies are a Division 1 team in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. This season, Jamestown won 23 of its 37 games and finished third in its division. In the final rankings, they were ranked eighth in the nation.
Year after year, the Jimmies are among the nation's elite, and they're about to get one of the hardest-working players around.
"It's pretty exciting. It'll be nice to get back in school to prepare for my career after hockey," said Magarrell. "I want to enjoy a few more years of hockey while I can."
He admits pairing his busy hockey schedule with studies will be a challenge, but Brett has always conquered any challenge that has come his way. He hasn't been in school for three years, but the 20-year-old is looking forward to diving in and making the most of every minute.
Also, earlier this week, Rylan Gage announced that he'll be joining the Jimmies team next season. Gage was the Kings' captain this past season. Rylan and Brett created a deep bond over the past few years, and Magarrell is thrilled that Rylan will be joining him.
"I can't wait. When he texted me asking to text the coach and get him in there, I was so excited when he signed," added Magarrell. "It's great that I know someone very well on the team, so it's awesome."
The transition from junior hockey to college can be tough for many. Magarrell was one of Dauphin's top defenders in this year's Turnbull Cup Playoffs. And when the puck drops on the 2026-27 season, Brett will be repping the Orange and White, and he's looking forward to making some noise.
"I'm already excited, and it's still a few months away," ended Magarrell. "I can't wait for the first shift. Get the nerves out of the way and after that, just enjoy it."
Kings To Advance:
Nicholas Zaharias: Trine University
Madden Murray: University of Victoria
Aiden Murray: Niagara University
Rylan Gage: University of Jamestown