University of Regina men's hockey head coach Trevor Keeper announced Wednesday the commitment of Nipawin Hawks forward Eric Hoiness and Trail Smoke Eaters defenceman Matthew Keller for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Hoiness has played in Nipawin the last three seasons, enjoying his finest statistical output this past year as he registered 21 goals, 41 assists, and 62 points in 56 SJHL games. He finished his junior career with 47 goals, 90 assists, and 137 points in 170 SJHL games played and also appeared in six postseason games for the Hawks.

Hoiness, who calls Saskatoon home, plans to enroll in the Paul J. Hill School of Business at the U of R.

"Eric is a player we've had our eye on for a while," Keeper said. "He really blossomed this year in Nipawin and not only brings a strong two-way game, but also leadership qualities. Eric has compiled a solid body of work over his SJHL career, a testament to his consistency and work ethic. We're excited to add that presence to our group."

Keller is the second Smoke Eaters player to commit to the Cougars, joining forward Otto Hanson. Originally from Calgary, Keller started the 2025-26 season with the Prince George Spruce Kings before being dealt to Trail in December.

Keller, who stands 6-3 and checks in at 205 lbs., is one of a number of players from this recruiting class coming to the U of R with WHL experience as he played a total of 66 games with the Victoria Royals in 2023-24 and 2024-25. He will also enroll in the Paul J. Hill School of Business.

"Matthew is a big addition to our back end," Keeper said. "He's a big, left-shot defenceman with good mobility, defends well, and moves the puck in transition. He has experience at a high level with time in the WHL and brings a steady, reliable game. We're excited about what he'll add to our group of defencemen."

A total of 10 players have committed to the Cougars for next fall. Besides Hoiness and Keller, that group also includes forwards Noah Asmundson (Estevan Bruins), Merik Boles (Niverville Nighthawks), Riley Fequet (Winkler Flyers), and Ben Roulette (Waywayseecappo Wolverines), defencemen Boston Harkness (Melville Millionaires) and Rylan Pearce (Weyburn Red Wings), and forward/defenceman Kurt Rookes (Waywayseecappo).