Longtime WHL veteran D-man Keaton Dowhaniuk returns home to join his brother Logan on Griffins

EDMONTON – One Dowhaniuk is a blessing for any U SPORTS team.

Now the Griffins have two.

Keaton Dowhaniuk will join his brother Logan Dowhaniuk on the MacEwan men's hockey team, committing just last week alongside former OHA Edmonton teammate Dwayne Jean Jr. after both had prior plans change. 

Dowhaniuk was initially committed to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in NCAA Div. 1, but the offer fell through at the last minute, so the next-best thing is playing with his brother, who is entering his third season with the Griffins.

"It's a pretty unique situation for those guys to play together, and for us to be able to get two talented guys like that as well," said Dailey of the Sherwood Park products. "It will be special for them and their family, especially being able to play at home. It will be a pretty cool experience for them.

"We're extremely happy to have him."

After 35 points in 25 games as OHA Edmonton's U15 Prep captain in 2018-19, the Prince George Cougars made Keaton Dowhaniuk the third overall pick in the 2019 Western Hockey League Draft. He played 259 games for the Cougars over parts of six seasons, recording 76 regular season points and another eight in the playoffs.

In his final junior campaign in 2024-25, Dowhaniuk played for four different teams – Prince George, Vernon (BCHL), Moose Jaw (WHL) and Red Deer (WHL), finishing up his junior career with the latter by potting six points in 28 games.

"It's a big boost for our program," said Dailey. "It wasn't in our plans to get him, so it's an added boost. He's going to make our defensive corps a lot more competitive. It's going to be harder for guys to get in and play games. 

"Keaton's someone I see being in the lineup, contributing. He's got a lot of good experience in the Western League. He skates well, moves pucks well and is hard to play against. So, he's going to be someone who definitely helps our team out this year."

Much like his brother, Keaton Dowhaniuk is a sublime defensive defenceman, who brings a rugged style mixed with strong skating and puck moving abilities that will serve him well in the Canada West ranks.