Wildcats Austin Dubyts has a Top Ten season

“I was really surprised, actually” said Austin Dubyts, GBC Wildcats forward when asked how he felt being named one of Westman Highschool Hockey League’s Top Ten for the season.

In fact, he first learned of the honour from his dad, Brendin.
“I didn’t really think of myself as being one of the top guys in the league,” Austin said humbly.

That modest attitude has been a defining trait throughout his high school hockey career with the Wildcats, where he has earned a reputation, not only for his offensive production, but also for his quiet leadership, work ethic and commitment to all areas of the game.

This past season, Austin recorded a career-high 75 points, including 33 goals. While he scored more goals the previous year, he expressed that he was happy to see his overall game developed, particularly as a playmaker.

Coach Forbes conveyed that Austin developed into a steady, reliable, center who could be counted on to win big face-offs and go to the tough areas to get goals. “He was defensively responsible and relied on to do what was best for the team,” surmised Forbes.
“I just hoped I would get a little better than last year,” he said. “It was stressful at the start because I didn’t have as many points as I aimed for, but it got better as the year went on.”  Just like the Wildcats themselves.

After a difficult start to the season, the team found their stride following the Christmas break, winning 13 out of 14 games and finishing among the league’s top four. Austin credits the turnaround to the team finding their rhythm at the right time.

Everyone kind of started playing well at the same time, and it all just came together,” he said.

One of the season’s defining moments came when the Wildcats defeated the top seed in an overtime win. Until then Swan River had suffered just one loss all season.

“That was a pretty big win,” Austin recalled. “It showed us that we were one of the top in teams in the league.”

As a centre, Austin’s game isn’t built on flashy plays. Instead, he prides himself on making smart decisions, winning faceoffs and playing responsibly at both ends of the rink.

“I’m not a flashy player,” he said. “I kind of just get points and do what needs to be done.”

His coaches have praised his defensive awareness, something Austin sees as equally important as offence.

“If the puck’s in your end the whole time, you’ve got no chance to score,” he said. “You need just as good defense as offence to win games.”

His faceoff success is another area he worked hard to develop.

“A lot of reps during practice,” he explained. “Eventually, over time, you find out how to get the puck, and sometimes you need to adjust throughout the game.”

Two weeks until his highschool graduation, Austin reflects on his game development since joining the Wildcats, saying he believes his biggest overall improvement was his hockey IQ and decision making.

“I’m a lot more calm with the puck than I used to be,” he said. “I have a better idea of what to do with it,” he chuckles.

Austin credits much of his development to his dad, Brendin Dubyts, who has coached him from the moment he put on his first jersey at the age of 5.

For the past two seasons, Austin also served as an assistant captain. While he describes himself as more of a quiet leader than a vocal one, he took great pride in earning the respect of his teammates.

When team captain Tucker Forbes sustained a shoulder injury in the season opener, there was little doubt Austin was ready to step into a larger leadership role. Forbes had no reservations about Dubyts’ ability to help lead the team.

“Anyone who has seen Austin play wouldn’t question his work ethic and competitiveness,” said Forbes. “Those qualities made him the perfect guy to step up.” While Dubyts missed having his captain and friend in the lineup, stepping into a larger leadership role provided valuable experience both on and off the ice.

“It felt really good to be recognized as a leader, it was a role I took very seriously.”

His leadership style focused on helping younger players learn and improve; building them up instead of criticizing their mistakes.

“You don’t want to make them feel like they are doing everything wrong,” he said thoughtfully.

Dubyts really feels the strong bond among teammates was one reason this group was so successful this season.

“We are a really close team,” Austin said. “We do everything together, so the chemistry built over time.”

Away from the rink, sports continues to play a big role in Austin’s life. Hockey, baseball and golfing rank his favourites, and he spends his free time competing in one activity or another.

“Pretty much any sport that’s offered here, I play,” he said.

This fall, Austin will begin studying agronomy at the University of Saskatchewan, following the footsteps of his sister who is enrolled in Veterinary studies and several friends enrolled there as well.

He is also hoping to continue his hockey career by playing Junior B hockey while pursuing his degree.

As he prepares for the next chapter, Austin says sports have taught him lessons that extend far beyond competition.
“It taught me work ethic,” he said. “That was probably the biggest takeaway.”

It’s a lesson that has carried him from his first days on skates as a very young child to becoming one of Westman’s Top 10 Athletes.

And while Austin may never be the loudest player in the room, his dedication, leadership, and steady approach to the game have earned him something he values most: the respect of his teammates.

PHOTO CAPTION: Austin Dubyts, a graduating player with the Glenboro-Baldur-Carberry Wildcats High School hockey team has been named as one of the Westman High School Hockey League’s Top Ten for 2025-26.