MacPherson-Ridgewell brings physical game to Griffins after junior career with Kamloops, Canmore

EDMONTON – Learning first-hand how important physicality is in the Canada West playoffs, the Griffins men's hockey team has added another weapon in that department.

Tsawwassen, B.C. native Nathan MacPherson-Ridgewell – who brings experience from the WHL and AJHL – is set to add their forward group in 2025-26.

"He's a big body," said Griffins head coach Zack Dailey of the 6-foot 190-pounder. "He competes hard, he's physical and is really good on the PK. He did a great job in juniors playing the net front on the powerplay. 

"He's a guy who's competitive, wants to compete, wants to work and doesn't shy away from physical play. It's one thing our team showed in the playoffs, and we were quite successful when we played that style of play. So, he's going to fit in with what we're going to do this year."

A product of Delta Hockey Academy, MacPherson-Ridgewell played 71 games in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers from 2021-23 before finishing his junior career with another 104 games across two seasons with the Canmore Eagles (2023-25). 

Last season, he produced 22 points in 45 regular season games for the Eagles. He will join Canmore teammates Brody Tallman and Rhett Dekowney on the Griffins.

"WHL experience is important," said Dailey. "Playing against big, fast players as a young guy gives you experience, and he brought that into Canmore. He definitely has some experience that we're going to pull out as a first-year guy."