In his rookie season with the Selkirk Steelers, 17-year-old Rohan Guevarra of St. Andrews has captured the attention of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). The local community has watched Guevarra grow up, playing hockey in his early days with the Timbits at St. Andrews Community Club, to the AA Rebels, and eventually the U18 AAA Thrashers. Now wearing No. 8 for the hometown MJHL team, Guevarra is proving to be a remarkable talent for the Steelers.
Guevarra’s season has been marked by several major achievements. He was named MJHL Rookie of the Month in September 2024, a fitting recognition of his strong start in the league. Guevarra remains the top MJHL rookie and is ranked within the top five on the league’s leaderboard for September and October. Through his 19 games, Guevarra has had 10 goals and 11 assists in his 2024-25 season. Most recently, he had the honour of competing at the Western All-Star Showcase in Warman, Saskatchewan, from November 4-6, where he proudly represented the Steelers on a regional stage.
In addition to his on-ice achievements, Guevarra has formed significant relationships within the Steelers and Selkirk communities. Steelers coach Hudson Friesen acknowledges Rohan’s impact in the community.
“Rohan’s journey and success in hockey is a great example for other youth in the community, showing that if you are passionate about something, put the work in, and stick with it, great things can happen,” said Friesen.
During the Steelers’ 50th-anniversary gala, former players approached Guevarra to express their admiration for his performance. This left an impression on the young player and highlighted the intergenerational bonds that hockey fosters.
“It was an honour to be recognized by those who wore the Steelers jersey before me,” said Guevarra.
Guevarra’s parents and the community take pride in witnessing a promising young player thrive within his local organization. The Steelers provide a sense of family, evident in the support offered by staff, dedicated volunteers, billet families, and the community.
His mom, Shelly Gueverras, shares, “It is more than the points and stats.” She emphasizes her son’s love for the coaches, the team, and the entire experience. “Playing for the Steelers means being a part of a family and staying connected to home.”
Rohan’s contributions go beyond his performance during games.
“He’s had a very positive impact on our group on and off the ice with his dedication to the game and the hard work he brings to the rink every day,” said Friesen explained. “Rohan is a competitor—he wants to win and see his teammates have success. He’s a great teammate and an important part of our group.”
As Guevarra continues to excel on the ice, he is also looking ahead, with a commitment to the University of Alaska a division 1 NCAA team after high school. His achievements are a testament to the strength of Selkirk’s hockey system and the support that local players receive to succeed at high levels.
With Guevarra leading the way, the Steelers are bolstering their own ranks and inspiring younger players in St. Andrews and Selkirk.
The presence of local talent, including Dawson Dear (Selkirk), Remy Hlady (Tyndall), Ian Lavallee (Petersfield) and Cole Bilous (Lockport) on the team reinforces a deep sense of pride in the organization, proving that Selkirk is not only a great place to play hockey but also a true support system for athletes striving to make a difference both on and off the ice.
