Photo courtesy of Louis Christ Photography

Following the 2025 season the Winnipeg Rifles have graduated 12 talented players that will be sorely missed next year.

The Rifles started the season with an upset win on their homefield and rode that momentum into the CJFL Canadian Bowl playoffs, which was the last ride for the following 12 graduates.

RB Kaiden Banfield (pictured) played three seasons with the Rifles and caught the eye of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers coaching staff getting the opportunity to train with the CFL club.  In 2025 he finished with 519 yards on 107 carries and scored an impressive nine touchdowns.

LB Kyler Banfield also played three seasons with the Rifles and was an absolute beast each and every season.  He leaves a giant hole in the Rifles’ linebacker core heading into 2026 after making 40 solo tackles, assisting on 27 others, collecting two sacks, four knockdowns and forced and recovered a pair of fumbles. He was named the Prairie Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Outstanding Linebacker leading to being recognized as a CJFL First-Team All-Canadian.

LB Maxim Bosc came home to finish his CJFL career with the Rifles following a stint with the Kamloops Broncos.  In 2025 he contributed eight tackles and assisted on two others.

REC Cole Davies was a mainstay for the Rifles spending all five years with the club and was acknowledged at the end of the year winning the team’s Perseverance Award.  The veteran receiver had a very good graduating season making 24 receptions for 435 yards, averaging 18.1 yards a catch and hauled in three touchdown passes.

DL Zach Davis was outstanding for the Rifles in his three seasons.  He was a player that stood out for the Blue Bombers as well as he was invited to train with the club. Unfortunately, he suffered a season ending injury this past summer and was unable to participate in his final CJFL season in 2025.  He does leave a big hole on the Rifles line heading into next year.

DB Ronin Francis played for his hometown Rifles for all five CJFL seasons leaving behind his veteran leadership.  He didn’t give up much from the Rifles secondary and tallied six solo tackles and two assisted stops over the course of the 2025 season.

LB Derek Gumieny was the heart and sole of the Rifles defence and graduates after five incredible CJFL seasons.  Each and every year he seemingly found a way to make an impact and finished 2025 with 36 solo tackles, 24 assisted stops, 5.5 tackles for a loss and recovered a fumble.  He was named the team’s Most Outstanding Graduating Player.

DL Cade Lerm is another fifth year for the Rifles that will be missed.  His presence on the line gave the Rifles an advantage and a push into the offensive opposition.  In his graduating year he made seven tackles, had six assists, half a sack and a knockdown.

REC Asher Neufeld played four years with the Rifles before graduating from the CJFL following the 2025 season.  He made 10 receptions for 115 yards over the course of the campaign.

DB Gage Richey was the recipient of the team’s Leadership Award following his fifth and final season with the Rifles.  He had a great CJFL career and was an impactful defensive back in their secondary making an interception, 28 tackles, 18 assisted stops, recorded three knockdowns and had two fumble recoveries.

LB Gabryal Ross played his one and only CJFL season with the Rifles in 2025 following a stint with the University of Manitoba.  The Marchand native made 12 solo tackles this past season and assisted on four others.

REC Matthew Toyne came to the Rifles for his only CJFL season of eligibility from the University of Manitoba.  With the Rifles focused on the pass in 2025, Toyne was an important piece in their four wins making 24 receptions for 388 yards, averaging 16.2 yards a catch and caught a touchdown pass.

These 12 graduates will leave big cleats to fill for the Rifles in 2026 and will be missed when the coaching staff begins to piece next year’s roster together.