Chapter 9: Brady Bell
Brady Bell has always wanted to play high-level hockey.
His older brother played, and Brady wanted to follow in his footsteps. After two seasons with the Winnipeg Wild program, one with the U15 and one with the U17 team, the 2008-born defenceman joined the U18 team last year, and the rest was history.
One week after getting Justin Perreault's reaction to the historic season, Brady is this week's Dauphin Kings Player Profile. Bell had three goals and 21 points in the regular season and another four points in 11 playoff games. Opponents found it nearly impossible to get past him in the defensive zone. If you pair Bell's excellent defensive ability with Perreault's incredible goaltending ability, that's a main reason why the Wild allowed by far the fewest goals in the regular season.
They made quick work of the Interlake Lighting in round one of the playoffs and beat the Bruins in five games in the semifinals. In the league final against the Brandon Wheat Kings, Bell, Perreault, and his teammates were not to be denied against the powerful Wheat Kings.
16 goals and three wins later, Bell became a provincial champion.
"That was awesome. It was some of the most fun I've had playing hockey," said Bell. "It was a really good group of guys. I thought we were very tight, and I think that played a factor into how well we played on the ice."
Little did Bell expect to be on the same team as Perreault again. This year, that's exactly the case. Perreault was acquired in a trade with the Winkler Flyers before the regular season began. Bell and Perreault, two provincial champions, are now looking to chase provincial glory in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
"It's amazing, I loved playing with Justin last year," offered Bell. "He's such a good guy in the room and is a great goaltender. Being on the team with him again is awesome."
Bell is now seven games into his Junior A career with the Kings after they drafted him, 35th overall, in the 2024 Draft. He has one goal and two assists.
"I think it's been a pretty good transition so far," continued Bell. "The City has been great, I love the small-town feel. School has been good and the people have been great, it's a great spot to be."
From Headingley, Brady recorded two assists in his first three games with the team. Then, in a massive victory last weekend against the Winkler Flyers, Bell scored the first goal of his MJHL career. It was a perfectly placed shot from the point. It was a game-winning goal as Dauphin downed the Flyers, 3-1.
"That was an awesome moment. I was surprised that it found a way in," commented Bell. "It was awesome to get that out of the way, and hopefully, there is more to come."
The Kings have been firing on all cylinders with 10 wins in their first 13 games. With 21 points, Dauphin is five points ahead of Virden for first place in the MGEU West Division. The team's 23 goals against are the fewest in the league. The next closest team is Niverville, which has allowed 30. Dauphin is coming off a commanding 7-0 win over the Northern Manitoba Blizzard on Tuesday.
"We have a really good group of guys, everyone is super nice," said Bell. "The returning guys have been great at guiding the rookies. We have a tight-knit group, and that helps us play well on the ice."
Next up for Brady and the Kings is a pair of road games this weekend. They're in Steinbach on Saturday to play the Pistons at the Southeast Events Centre. Steinbach is 10-3-1 this season. Then on Sunday afternoon, they're in Niverville. The Nighthawks are 12-1. You can hear Sunday's game on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff. The Parkland Source for Sports pregame show starts at 2:50.
Dauphin has already beaten Niverville this season, and it'll be the first time they play the Pistons.
"Yeah, it's definitely going to be a challenge," commented Bell. "I think the boys are all pretty excited at the opportunity to show the league what kind of team we are, and prove to ourselves that we have a good, contending team."
Embracing the Junior A life one year after winning a provincial championship at the U18 level and loving every moment, Bell says being in Dauphin is a great opportunity to live out his lifelong dream. He's excelling with his new team.
"Yeah, it's been really exciting," offered Bell. "Growing up, all I wanted to do was play junior. To have that dream become a reality is awesome. I'm grateful for the chance to be here in Dauphin."
You can hear Brady's full chat with Darnell Duff during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show after the 4:00 p.m. news, weather, and business on Friday.
Get To Know Brady Bell:
What are some of your hobbies? I love hanging out with my buddies playing golf all the time. A couple of my buddies have cabins, so I head up there every once in a while in the summer.
What's your best golf shot? If I were looking back at one specific shot, I dunked a shot from 170 yards at my home course.
Who's an inspiration to you? My parents. They will always be inspirations to me, and I will always look up to them. They've done so much for me, I wouldn't be where I am without them.
What's your favourite hockey memory? Definitely winning that championship last year with the great group of guys, it was incredible, and I will never forget it.
What are your future hockey goals? Just keep playing and see where it takes me. Hopefully, it will take me to the university ranks.
Have you had any family trips? We went to Scotland a couple of years ago for the Open Championship, which was awesome.
What do your parents and brother mean to you? They're awesome people. My dad played and coached hockey growing up. My mom has always been our rock. My brother is doing great things for himself with golf and school.
What's your favourite pizza? The BBQ chicken from Boston Pizza.
Bell also says his fantasy football team this year is stacked and he expects to win the championship. You can catch Bell and his teammates at Credit Union Place on Sunday, November 9, when they welcome the Portage Terriers to town.
The team will play 11 games between November 21 and December 20. Nine of them are on home ice at Credit Union Place.
