A Challenging Path to Selection
Joining the Manitoba Brick Team was quite a challenge. Bryce took part in a four-round tryout that drew over 60 players from across the province. After months filled with evaluations, practices, and competition, he received news that every aspiring hockey player dreams about. “I was super excited,” Bryce said when reflecting on how he felt upon learning he made the team. Bryce Bell signing his contract with the Manitoba Brick 2026 team when he received the news (Photo/Brent Bell) The first person outside his family he told was his close friend Jayden Boschman. The road to being selected took immense dedication. Bryce practices twice weekly and has devoted countless hours to refining his skills, especially focusing on defensive techniques like angling opponents and boxing players out in front of the net. When asked who supported him most during this process, Bryce immediately mentioned Manitoba Brick Team coach Zach Watson.
Bryce Bell and his best friend Jayden Boschman at a Winnipeg tournament this past spring (Photo Portageonline Brittany Boschman)
A Deep Love for Hockey
Bryce’s passion for hockey started early on. “It’s a physical game,” he said when asked what attracted him to it. His competitive spirit and love for hockey have propelled him forward on ice. While now playing defense, Bryce looks up to some of NHL’s finest blueliners, especially Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar. “Because he’s a defenseman like me,” Bryce explained. A fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Bryce also mentioned he’d love to play alongside Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey someday. “Because he can teach me how to be better,” he said. A standout moment for him came while playing with Central Plains Chiefs when he scored an overtime winning goal.Eager Anticipation for Edmonton
The Brick Invitational Tournament takes place from June 28 to July 5 in Edmonton featuring some of North America’s brightest young talents. While many are excited about competing itself, Bryce can’t wait to bond with his teammates more than anything else. “Hanging out with the team,” was how he described what he’s looking forward to most about it. This tournament also gives him a chance to take on some tough teams in his age group. He’s particularly eager about facing off against Detroit Red Wings’ 2016 squad because they’re known as strong challengers. If you ask him about personal goals during this event, Bryce kept it straightforward: “Score a goal,” he stated confidently.
The 2026 Manitoba Brick hockey team representing Manitoba June 28 to July 5 in Edmonton (Photo provided by Melanie Bell / Photographer Art for athletes)
The Role of Family Support
No young athlete achieves success without support behind them-and for Bryce, family has been key throughout his journey.His mom , Melanie Bell , shares that making it onto this brick team has always been her son’s ambition.
” It was always a goal of his to make th e tea m , ” she recalled. ” We tried t o get h im involved i n as many d ifferent tournaments an d opportunities as we could.” The B ell family ha s dedicated countless hours driving around f or practices , tournaments , an d games across M anitoba an d beyond. B ry ce already competed i n tournaments held i n Toronto , E dmonton , New York , an d W innipeg whi le developing h is h ockey skills. ” We’re alwa ys on th e road w ith h im ,” Melanie commented. ” But I wouldn’t trade it f or anything. As long as he’s happy an d enjoys it , we’ll keep supporting h im.” Bry ce gives credit t o all hi s family members fo r helping h im arrive where h e is today – including grandparents who rarely miss any game s along with dad Brent plus siblings Brody , Braden, a nd Meredith.
Beyond Just Hockey
E ven though ho ckey IS A BIG PASSION OF H IS, Bryc e pl ay s MULTIPLE SPORTS AS WELL.
DURING SUMMER MONTHS, H E SWITCHES HIS SKATES FOR CLEATS AN D JOINS PORTAGE PITBULLS FOOTBALL PROGRAM.
MELANIE BELIEVES THAT PARTAKING IN VARIOUS SPORTS HELPS YOUNG ATHLETES DE VELOP BETTER OVERALL.
“It helps build different muscles, reduces injuries, and allows them TO USE SKILLS FROM ONE SPORT IN ANOTHER,” she noted.”
Sincere Thanks To Coaches And Community Helpers
B OTH BRYCE AND HIS MOM, MELANIE, DON’T HESITATE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO’S BEEN PART OF THIS ACHIEVEMENT ALONG THE WAY!
“Without their help I couldn’t have done it.”BRYCE ACKNOWLEDGES ALL THOSE COACHES WHO STEPPED UP DURING TRIALS PLUS TEAMMATES AT BOTH STACHVILLE HOCKEY CLUB & CENTRAL PLAINS CHIEFS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT!”HE ADDED! “
MELANIE ALSO SHARES HER GRATITUDE TOWARD COACHES, MANAGERS TRAINERS,& VOLUNTEERS WHO’VE INVESTED TIME INTO HIS DEVELOPMENT OVER YEARS SO FAR !
‘WE’RE GRATEFUL BECAUSE IT TAKES A TEAM BEHIND THE SCENES HELPING KIDS LIKE HIM SHINE!’SHE SAID! “
Proudly Representing Manitoba
If YOU ASK BRYCE ABOUT PREPARATIONS HE’S MAKING FOR EDMONTON-HE KNOWS JUST HOW SIGNIFICANT REPRESENTATION REALLY MEANS !
“It’s An Honor,” He Said.” [W]hen we asked WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNGER PLAYERS WANTING TO FOLLOW YOU? His answer WAS SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL: [W]“Never give up AND TRY YOUR HARDEST.” He shared WHILE REMEMBERING HOW SUCH WORDS HELPED TURN DREAMS INTO REALITY FOR HIM ALREADY! < br>< br>< br>< br>< br>< br>< br>& LT; b R >& LT; b R >& LT; b R >& LT; b R />As HE GET READY TO HIT ICE AGAINST TOP YOUNG TALENT ACROSS NO RTH AMERICA-HIS COMMUNITY WILL CHEER LOUDLY EACH STEP OF WAY!”
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