Clay Hanus signs with Kalmar Hockey Club following historic MRU career

Kalmar, SE – Mount Royal University men's hockey star Clay Hanus has signed a professional contract with Kalmar Hockey Club in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan, marking the next step in his outstanding hockey journey after a record-breaking university career.

The Kalmar-based club is adding one of U SPORTS' most decorated defencemen. Hanus departs MRU as the program's all-time leader in goals (27), assists (63), and points (90) by a defenceman, leaving an enduring legacy after joining the Cougars midway through the 2021-22 season from the WHL's Portland Winterhawks.

In the 2024-25 season, Hanus reached the pinnacle of individual success, being named U SPORTS Player of the Year, U SPORTS Defenceman of the Year, and a U SPORTS First Team All-Star. He also swept Canada West honours, earning Player of the Year, Top Defenceman, and a spot on the Canada West First All-Star Team, while leading the Cougars to a Canada West silver medal. Statistically, he was dominant, tallying 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points in just 28 games, averaging an eye-popping 1.54 points per game.

Hanus's production in 2023-24 was nearly as impressive, notching 36 points (13G, 23A) in 26 games en route to Canada West Top Defenceman and U SPORTS First Team All-Star selections. Across three seasons at MRU, Hanus compiled 90 regular-season points and added another 5 playoff points, playing a key role in MRU's emergence as a national contender.

"I'm very excited to join Kalmar this coming season," said Hanus. "I've heard lots of good things about the organization and the team. I look forward to doing my best to help the team win and hopefully bring home a championship at the end!"

Kalmar HC, located in Kalmar, Sweden, competes in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second tier of Swedish professional hockey. The league is known for its competitiveness and strong development pathway to the SHL (Swedish Hockey League), making it an ideal fit for a player of Hanus's calibre.

Head Coach Bert Gilling praised Hanus for his growth and impact on the program. "We are so excited for Clay signing with Kalmar to restart his professional hockey career! HockeyAllsvenskan is an excellent league and will be a great step for Clay. He's earned it and is ready for this new challenge. Cougar Hockey is proud to have played an important role in Clay's development and wish him the best going forward."

Hanus's rise has been remarkable. After arriving on campus in January 2022, he needed just three seasons to cement himself as arguably the best defenceman in MRU history. His offensive instincts, power-play poise, and relentless drive made him a nightmare for opponents and a fan favourite at Flames Community Arenas.

As Hanus begins his pro career in Europe, MRU celebrates a historic chapter in its men's hockey program — one written by a player who redefined what was possible from the blue line.