Twin brothers Alex and Ben Edwards, long‑time standouts for the Grand Forks Border Bruins, have officially committed to play for the Drury University Panthers in the American Collegiate Hockey Association next fall. Their pledge marks a significant addition to Drury’s squad as the program looks to build on recent successes.
A Shared Path to the Panthers
Both athletes grew up in Grand Forks, where they honed their skills in the KIJHL and WHL before becoming key contributors to the Border Bruins’ first league and provincial championship last season. Their complementary styles — Ben’s defensive reliability and Alex’s forward creativity — have made them a formidable duo on the ice.
Ben Edwards, a defenceman, appeared in 27 games this season and logged four goals and 17 points, adding three assists across nine KIJHL Championship playoff contests. Over his career with the Kelowna Chiefs and Border Bruins, he accumulated 26 goals and 89 points in 167 regular‑season games, complemented by 15 playoff points in 30 appearances. He also saw action in seven games for the WHL’s Victoria Royals during the 2023‑24 season.
Alex Edwards, a forward, contributed six points in 12 games this season and added three points in eight playoff games. His career totals include 42 points in 73 regular‑season games and 15 points in 30 playoff games. Alex also recorded 10 points in 17 games during the Border Bruins’ championship run and logged 13 points in 89 WHL appearances with the Victoria Royals over three seasons.
Joining Forces with New Teammates
The Edwards brothers will be joined at Drury by fellow Canadian forwards Jett Patola and Jake Neufeld, both of whom have also committed to the Panthers for the upcoming season. Patola and Neufeld previously played for the Revelstoke Grizzlies, bringing additional depth and experience to a roster that is shaping up to be a competitive force in the ACHA.
Drury’s coaching staff sees the addition of these four players as a strategic move to bolster both offensive output and defensive stability. Their proven track records in junior leagues and championship environments suggest they will adapt quickly to the collegiate pace and help the Panthers aim for a strong postseason run.