Extending the Pipeline: Aiden Bruce

OKOTOKS, AB (April 9, 2025) – Kelowna BC’s own Aiden Bruce has travelled a fair bit this season as he has played hockey in four separate provinces across two different leagues.

Bruce who started the season in the SJHL played hockey in both Saskatchewan as well as Manitoba, then played in Alberta and BC after joining the Oilers on February 10. Bruce suited up for two different teams in the SJHL this season as he started out with the Humboldt Broncos.

“I loved Humboldt. I wasn’t there very long but I loved their arena, and even just going there, like their fans are electric every night,” Bruce said about Humboldt. “It was definitely very special. I mean, just growing up seeing everything that went on and now you’re putting on that jersey. You’re like ‘Holy, this is actually for real. It’s a pretty surreal opportunity I had and I loved it.”

Bruce added that the whole town of Humboldt rallies around and shows up for the Broncos. He said that Humboldt was the definition of a hockey town.

After playing for the Broncos and before joining the Oilers, Bruce was a forward for the Nipiwan Hawks. He enjoyed his time with the Hawks but said the team was experiencing some growing pains as they were a young group. Bruce believes the team will do well in the future though.

When it comes to the differences between the BCHL and SJHL, Bruce said that players in the SJHL are hard-nosed, chippy and constantly go to the net. Bruce said he’s more of a skilled player which suits the style of play in the BCHL more but added he does have an edge to his game.

“I mean I love it,” he said about being in the BCHL. “Just the culture here is awesome and just even the guys. Everyone’s here to get the job done, but they’re also having fun. I love it.”

The 2024-2025 hockey season was the first time Bruce had ever lived outside of his home of Kelowna and like anyone who has moved for the first time, it took some adjusting.

“It was tough. It was my first time moving away from home. I was fortunate enough to play close to home my whole life, up until moving away at the end of August. There was definitely an adjustment period, but definitely, a big relief coming a little bit closer to home and potentially playing closer to home against some other teams. So, definitely been nice coming back a little closer,” Bruce said.

While moving to a third team in one season was tough for Bruce, he said the team, coaching staff and his billets made it an easy transition after he arrived in Okotoks.

“It was a total surprise, yeah,” he said when he found out he was going to Okotoks. “I was pumped. I was on the phone with my parents, my grandparents, my girlfriend and everyone, it was definitely an exciting moment.”

Bruce hopes to not only play this season with the Green and Gold but hopes to play next season with the team as well. He said his confidence is growing each day in practice.

“The first week, obviously just getting used to the systems, the guys, the coaches, and everything. It was nerve-racking and a lot faster than the SJHL. So it’s an eye-opener, but honestly, after the first three or four practices I just kept on getting better and better and I feel this last little bit I have definitely gained some confidence and it’s been great,” Bruce explained.

As for his hometown of Kelowna, the city is well known for its hockey programs as well as the famous Ogopogo who lives in Lake Okanagan. Bruce joked by saying “I haven’t seen it, but I like to think it is,” when asked if the myth of the Ogopogo is real. The city of Kelowna has leaned into the legend of the Ogopogo as they have a statue downtown and the Rockets who play in the WHL have the Ogopogo as their team logo.

Bruce is a family guy as he gave a shoutout to his grandparents along with his parents Aaron and Hailley.

“I mean it’s a pretty common saying, but honestly, I have always connected with that ‘It takes a village’. It’s definitely been my parents, my grandparents, my aunts, whoever, helping me through the way. So, they’ve definitely sacrificed a lot,” he praised.

Bruce is the oldest of the three siblings in his household as he has two younger sisters named Taylor and Campbell. Bruce said he likes being the older brother but joked saying he doesn’t know life any different without two younger sisters. He mentioned that both his sisters don’t play hockey but play Bruce’s other passion, soccer.

“I played soccer up until I was around 14. I love soccer, but I don’t know, I just think they adapted to soccer and they just went that route, especially my younger sister (Campbell). She definitely excels in soccer,” Bruce said about his sisters choosing soccer over hockey.

Bruce added that he never force his sister to play hockey and stand in the net as he took shots, but he did try and get them outside to play sports with him. He said he could get his sister to come out and play some basketball or soccer against him, but steered away from hockey.

As for why he chose hockey over soccer, Bruce said “Honestly, one spring it came very close, it could have gone either way, nut then honestly theres nothing better than coming to the tink every day, scoring a couple of goals, and winning. Just no better feeling.”

Bruce played the striker position in soccer and plays the forward role in hockey. He loves to score goals and it should come as no surprise as his favourite player is Alex Ovechkin who just recently broke Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals in NHL history.

As for Okotoks, Bruce has enjoyed his time in the town and has soaked up the moment of playing for the Oilers.

“It’s not Kelowna but it’s definitely a lot bigger than Nipiwan and Humboldt. It’s got everything I need and I’ve been loving it,” he said.

While deer can be spotted in his hometown of Kelowna, but he added they don’t have as many as Okotoks.

“There are a lot of deer that live in Upper Mission, so there is a lot of deer there. But, honestly, I’ve been quite surprised by how many deer there are here. There are a ton,” Bruce said.

One benefit of growing up in Kelowna for Bruce was he has been introduced to a lot of successful hockey players as many pros go to the city to train in the summer.

“Fortunately for me, I actually train with the Schenn brothers (Luke and Brayden), Damon Severson, Carey Price and all those types of guys,” he said. Bruce would add that training with top-end talent like the names he mentioned is a surreal feeling.

“I’ll train in the morning around 7:00, and then those types of guys roll in around 9:00. So, like five days a week in the morning, I’ll see them there every morning,” Bruce explained.

Bruce said that he really enjoys talking and training with the Schenn brothers. He added saying they are very down-to-earth and very nice people. While he doesn’t get too wild with picking their brains, he said he has got tips from them for small things like movements in the gym.

“I mean, you never not see them there. They don’t miss a day no matter what. Even if they’re banged up and they’re not feeling well, they’re coming in for chiro, physio, whatever it is. They’re coming in to keep their body good for the season. They’re never stopping. Like these guys are in their 30s and they’re grinding it out every day,” he said about what he has taken away from the pros he trains with.

As for now playing in the BCHL, Bruce is happy to be in the league his home province started as it’s a goal he’s always had.

Bruce has felt the energy of the Green Army since arriving in Okotoks.

“Just playing and seeing all the fans up there, it definitely gives you a little boost of what you are playing for, not only yourself and your team, but you’re playing for the fans and the communities. It’s really exciting seeing all the fans, whether you’re in the stands or playing, Bruce said about the Green Army.

10 questions with Aiden Bruce

What is the most embarrassing song on your current playlist?

“I do mainly only listen to country, but if I’m not listening to country, I do like some good pop, like some Tate McRae or Taylor Swift. So, something from one of them. I might say Stay Stay Stay by Taylor Swift”

What is your go-to cheat meal?

“I love pizza. So, like Domino’s Pizza, maybe some bread bites or something like that. Either pepperoni or like a BBQ chicken, green peppers.”

If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be?

“I’d say Ovechkin. He’s been my favourite player for 10 years. So, I’d have to go with him. I mean, pick his brain on how he scores so many goals. I think any hockey player would ask him that instantly.”

Favourite player and team growing up?

“Growing up, the Vancouver Canucks, but then I switched to the Capitals because of Ovechkin, and my best friend’s dad played like a season for the Capitals.”

Favourite movie and TV Show?

“Favourite movie? I’m going to say Dazed and Confused. Favourite series, I got two, Outer Banks and Hawaii Five-O.”

Would you rather go to the past or the future?

“I would definitely go to the past. I think the 1980’s, and ’90s just looked so cool, like pre-technology. Just has that type of vibe, and like high school, looks so cool to me. I wish I grew up in that era.”

What song gets you pumped up?

“I would say Highway Tune by Greta Van Fleet or Money For Nothing (by Dire Straits).”

Best chirp you have ever heard or said?

“Well with the SJHL being a more physical league, you are always skating by the bench, I remember a couple of specific tough guys, they told me they were going to cave my face in or just stuff like that.”

Where in the world would you go if I could snap my fingers and get you there right now?

“Maybe like the Maldives. It looks sweet there. That or Hawaii. I love warm weather, I’m not a winter guy.”

Who on the team would you have as an emergency contact?

“I would say Hicks (Jamie Hikida) or Duy. They just seem like they are always there.”

Bonus

Favourite sport other than hockey?

“Soccer, I hate watching soccer. I love watching baseball live. I honestly would rather watch a live baseball game than a hockey game.”

If you could relive any day in your life, what day would you choose?

“Oh, that’s easy. Two years ago I won the U18 Provincial Championship. So, yeah, it was a sweep, so we won it and then we didn’t end up going home the next night, we stayed at the hotel. So, it was definitely a good night with my team and just winning the championship was awesome.”

Best advice you got from your parents?

“Honestly I would say like as a rookie, there’s so many curveballs that get sent your way and like ups and downs. It’s a process, so, just keep going. I know it’s generic but just keep going and it’ll turn out. If you keep putting in the work, you’re going to get the results you have been grinding for.”

What is your secret talent?

“I would say I’m pretty good at flips. Like in the summer off trampolines or in the water. I’m always doing some sort of flips. Like front flip, back flip, whatever it is.”