Brenden Datema Re‑signs with Bloomington Bison
The Bloomington Bison announced this week that they have secured defenseman Brenden Datema through the 2026‑27 campaign, rewarding the 27‑year‑old with a contract that reflects his steady rise over the past season.
Datema’s 2025‑26 regular‑season numbers were among the most impressive of his career, as he logged 65 games, 16 points (four goals, twelve assists) and a plus‑19 rating, while also contributing a goal and an assist in each of the five playoff contests he appeared in.
A Career in Motion
His performance marked career highs across the board, underscoring a trajectory that began with a trade from the Atlanta Gladiators in October 2025 and included a stint in which he tallied nine points in 60 games for Atlanta during the 2024‑25 season.
Before turning professional, Datema honed his craft at Michigan Tech and Canisius College, where he helped the Golden Griffins capture their second AHA Tournament title in 2018‑19 and accumulated 23 points in 100 collegiate appearances.
What the Deal Means for the Bison
The Bison’s decision to retain the defenseman not only stabilizes a key defensive core but also signals a commitment to developing home‑grown talent that can compete at the highest levels of the sport.
With the new agreement in place, the Bison hope to build on the momentum generated by Datema’s resurgence, aiming to translate his defensive reliability and offensive contributions into deeper playoff runs. Fans can expect to see the blue‑liner continue to anchor the team’s back end while mentoring younger players.