SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan Huskie Men's Hockey team and head coach Brandin Cote announced today the signing of former BCHL and SJHL goaltender James Venne.

"James is a big, mobile goaltender with a tremendous work ethic and a track record of winning," said Cote. "As a local Saskatoon product, he brings not only talent but a sense of pride in joining the Huskie Hockey family. We're thrilled to welcome him to the team."

"I'm just super excited [to be joining the Huskies], [Coach] Coates is amazing, thee facility is the best in the country, and obviously the rink and fans are unbelievable," said Venne. "I know a lot of the group and I know we're going to have a good team again so hopefully we'll continue this winning streak going."

I mean, coach is amazing. And then yeah, the facility is the best in the country. Obviously you know the rank and the fans are unbelievably just living at home. You can't beat it for sure, I. 

A 6-foot-3 netminder and local product of Saskatoon, Venne joins the Huskies from the BCHL's Sherwood Park Crusaders where he appeared in 32 games, recording a record of 16-14-1 with a .890 save percentage and 3.63 goals against while helping the Crusaders to a postseason berth.

Prior to joining the Crusaders, Venne spent three seasons in the SJHL with the Melfort Mustangs, suiting up for 111 games. Owning a regular season save percentage of .907 and goals against average of 2.68, it was with the Mustangs that he established his playoff success. In 18 career SJHL playoff games, Venne earned an impressive 12-3-3 record thanks to a .923 save percentage and 2.56 goals against. His best season came in 2023-24, when he backstopped the Mustangs to 12 wins, an SJHL Championship, and an appearance in the CJHL national final. 

Venne joins former Melfort teammates and SJHL champs Zac Somers and Nicholas Andrusiak in the 2025-26 Huskie men's hockey recruiting class. 

Catch every game as the Huskie Men's Hockey team looks to defend their 2025 Canada West title in with season tickets, available now at huskietickets.com.