The Pas, MB – The Northern Manitoba Blizzard acquired 2007-born goaltender Kannen Kirkwood from the Winnipeg Blues on Friday afternoon in exchange for a player development fee and 2006-born forward Kayne Pawlick.
Kirkwood served as the Blues’ starting goaltender during the 2025-26 season, posting an 8-17-2 record. His eight victories were the most by a Winnipeg goaltender since Brock Moroz during the 2022-23 campaign. Despite playing behind a team that struggled down the stretch, Kirkwood finished the season with a .892 save percentage.
Standing at 5-foot-11, Kirkwood combines strong athleticism with excellent mobility to make difficult saves and give his team a chance to win every night. His durability was also on full display late in the season, starting nine of Winnipeg’s final 10 games while earning five victories and making more than 350 saves during that stretch.
Blizzard President of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Josh Gratton is very familiar with Kirkwood’s game and work ethic after coaching him with the Winnipeg Blues during the 2025-26 season.
“He was my goalie last year with the Winnipeg Blues and he just worked his way into being a solidified number one goalie.” Said Gratton “Coming into NorMan this year, hes looking for that opportunity to lead a team, get into the playoffs and make some noise, and he’s very excited for that as well. So the fans are going to love his compete and like his effort, he’s dialled in every night and the guys just love playing in front of him.”
Heading the other way is Kayne Pawlick, who joins the Winnipeg Blues in the MGEU East Division. The Thorsby, Alberta native recorded 16 points in 54 games with the Blizzard during the 2025-26 season. The Northern Manitoba Blizzard organization would like to thank Kayne for his contributions and wish him nothing but the best as he begins the next chapter of his junior hockey career.
Kannen will join his new teammates on August 27 as the Blizzard open 2026-27 Training Camp at the Roy H. Johnston Arena. The club will then kick off its 2026 exhibition schedule on August 31 with a matchup against division rival Dauphin Kings.
