Shawn Minnabarriet joins the Summerland Jets as an experienced left-shot defenceman who brings leadership, physicality, and a strong connection to the Interior of British Columbia.
Originally from Ashcroft, B.C., and Bonaparte First Nation, Minnabarriet began playing minor hockey in Ashcroft before moving to Kamloops. His development path included four seasons with RINK Hockey Academy in Kelowna across the U15 Varsity, U16 Prep, and U17 Prep levels before finishing minor hockey with the Thompson Blazers U18 AAA program. Most recently, he played Junior A hockey with the Chase Heat of the KIJHL.
Last season was cut short after nine games when Minnabarriet underwent knee surgery. After months focused on getting back to full health, he returned to the ice at Summerland’s main camp and earned his place on the Jets’ inaugural roster.
Known by teammates as “Minny,” the 6’1”, 185-pound defenceman describes himself as a leader on and off the ice who is willing to play whatever role the team needs. He takes pride in being a dependable, stay-at-home defender who can make a strong first pass, play special teams, shut down opponents in important situations, and use his physicality intelligently.
This season, Minnabarriet is focused on adding more offence to his game while becoming someone the coaching staff can trust in the biggest moments. He wants to contribute at both ends of the ice, establish himself as a leader within the group, and leave a lasting impression on both the organization and the Summerland community.
For Minnabarriet, joining the Jets is also about the opportunity to give back. He wants fans to see a player who gives everything on the ice and is just as willing to show up for the community away from it. The chance to help bring competitive junior hockey back to Summerland, combined with the work and passion he saw from the coaching staff and organization, made the Jets an easy choice for his final junior season.
Hockey runs deep in Minnabarriet’s family. His dad and uncles all played junior hockey and, together with his mom, have been among the biggest influences on his career. Some of his favourite hockey memories come from returning home each year to play alongside family in Indigenous hockey tournaments and bringing home first-place trophies.
Away from the rink, Minnabarriet enjoys hunting, fishing, baseball, dirt biking, and spending time with his family. He has also spent time coaching with the Thompson Blazers U15 AAA program and works at Highland Valley Copper during the off-season.
With one final junior season ahead of him, Minnabarriet is coming to Summerland ready to compete, lead, and help the Jets build something the community can be proud of.
