There was something special about this season. The 2025–26 campaign marked the inaugural year of the Georgian Bay Islanders, a new chapter for hockey in our region, and the first graduating class in Islanders history.
A brand-new mix of players. No history. No established culture. And for a stretch there, not even proper jerseys.
What started as a collection of individuals became a team. As this first chapter comes to a close, we recognize four players who will forever be part of Islanders history.
On Saturday, February 28th at 3:40pm at the Bourgeois Community Centre, we will celebrate our graduating players:
- Ryan Skiffington
- Quinn Murdock
- Jacob Gingras
- Rayal Penedos
These four young men are not only finishing their minor hockey careers, they are part of the first graduating class in Islanders history.
Each of them began their journey in different arenas and different jerseys. This season, they helped build something new. They embraced change, represented the Islanders with pride, and helped shape the standard future teams will follow.
It has been a privilege to coach them this year.
Ryan Skiffington
Ryan first stepped onto the ice at just three years old in Penetang back in 2012. Hockey has been part of his life for a long time, and it shows.
When asked about his favourite moment this season, he didn’t hesitate:
“Buzzing my hair with the other team leaders.”
Team bonding went up a notch on that cold night in Windsor.
Ryan has always been about the group, backing his teammates and setting the tone in the room.
He credits his dad as the biggest influence on his journey:
“He’s been my greatest teacher and taught me all that I know.”
His advice to younger players reflects the confidence he’s grown into:
“Don’t give up on yourself. Know your worth. You bring something to the team no matter what you think.”
Ryan leads by example, competes hard, and believes in the guys around him. That kind of presence makes a difference.
Quinn Murdock
Quinn began playing at six years old with Midland Minor Hockey. Over the years, he has built his game the right way through work, consistency, and sticking with it.
When asked about his favourite moment this season, he pointed to the moment things clicked:
“When we started winning hockey games.”
That’s Quinn. Team-first.
We didn’t start the year polished. We were learning each other’s tendencies, building structure, and figuring out who we were as a group. As we improved week by week, the results started to come.
He credits his mom as the biggest influence in his hockey journey, always supporting him and pushing him to improve.
His advice to younger players:
“Have fun playing the game; otherwise, in the future, you won’t want to play.”
Quinn competes hard, does what the team needs, and quietly sets the standard with his effort.
Jacob Gingras
Jacob started playing hockey at eight years old in Penetang. Some of his best memories aren’t about stats. They’re about the fun.
His favourite moment this season?
“Shaving some of the boys’ hair off.”
No hesitation. No regrets. Just clippers and commitment.
That moment says a lot about this group. Tight. Comfortable. Not afraid to laugh at themselves.
Jacob credits his dad as the biggest influence in his hockey life:
“No matter what I asked for, he would try his best to support me through it.”
His advice to younger players is straight to the point:
“Make friends and meet new people.”
That’s what minor hockey is about. Friendships, shared experiences, and building habits that carry into life.
Rayal Penedos
Rayal began playing at five years old in Hamilton with Dofasco Minor Hockey. Over the years, he has grown into a confident and determined player.
His highlight this season?
“The game against Georgian Shores when I scored two goals and we won.”
Two goals when it mattered most. A great way to remember a season.
Rayal credits his parents as the biggest influence in his journey:
“They’ve supported me every step of the way. They’ve taught me the value of hard work, respect, and staying humble.”
His parents shared that what stands out most isn’t just the wins. It’s the growth. The early mornings. The long drives. The friendships. The lessons learned along the way.
Rayal has embraced the journey, and it shows.
Building the Foundation
This season felt special.
We started as a brand-new group with different backgrounds, habits, and personalities. There wasn’t history to lean on. We had to build it ourselves. Structure. Accountability. Trust. Belief.
These four graduates were a core part of that build. They helped turn a new logo into a team that competed, improved, and found its identity.
When we asked about the biggest influence in their hockey journeys, the answer was unanimous. Their parents.
That says something.
Minor hockey doesn’t happen without early mornings, long drives, gas money, hotel weekends, and more than a few cups of questionable arena coffee. It takes time. It takes sacrifice. It takes steady support.
Because of that, these players leave the game with more than stats or wins. They leave with friendships, resilience, work ethic, and a lifelong connection to the game.
They helped set the standard for what wearing an Islanders jersey means.
They’ll always be the first.
And that matters.
Once an Islander, always an Islander.