Scrapping

Working into the Dukes roster

Acooler bite to the morning air in recent days signals the return of hockey season in Wellington. Though one doesn’t directly cause the other, it is another reminder that summer days are fading and another season is around the corner.

In preparation, about 73 players skated in the Dukes’ training camp this past weekend. It is a smaller contingent than in past seasons, as the team’s spring camp has worked to fill in some of the blanks created by departing players.

A smaller camp also served to amp up the intensity of the scrimmages—featuring solid, hard-nosed checking and tough grinding in the blue paint.

By Monday, most had gone home—having learned a little bit more about the game and the work they need to do to improve.

For those remaining the competition gets tougher. There is no such thing as job security in hockey and returning Dukes know they must work just as hard as prospective players to keep their spot in the lineup.

This week, they will spend a lot of time on the ice, guiding young players in the Dukes Summer Camp. On Friday, the team gets it first test. The Kingston Voyageurs visit Wellington in the first game of a home and away series with their Limestone City rivals.

The Dukes expect to lead from the back end early in the new season. Wellington’s defence is anchored by Justin Bean and Carter Allen. Nineteen- year-old Connor Ryckman is expected to tend the Dukes net most nights.

Justin Bean dekes around netminder Jordan Vertessi in a scrimmage on Saturday.

“I think fans are going to be really impressed by our defence this year,” said Marty Abrams, Dukes head coach and GM. “And with Ryckman in net, we should have strong core back there.”

Scoring goals could be a bit more of a challenge. The Dukes lost the league’s best scorer and top point-getter in Luc Brown as well as the league’s fourth best producer in Ben Sokay. Their performances are not likely to be duplicated. Nor will the offensive output of Dylan Mascarin, Tyler Burnie or Jacob Panetta be easily replaced.

Much of the Dukes offensive success is riding on the shoulders of players such as Nic Mucci and Matt Adams. Shaw Boomhower, Colin Doyle and Austen Labelle will also be expected to produce at a higher, more consistent level in the new season.

It all begins this Friday in Wellington.

TRADE
On Monday the Dukes traded Will Ward and Brodie Maracle to the Kirkland Lake Goldminers in exchange for 20-year-old Brayden Stortz. Stortz, from Welland, scored 100 points (38 goals) in 54 games with the Goldminers last season.

Brodie Maracle played in 51 games for the Dukes last season earning 12 points.

Will Ward appeared in just nine games with the Dukes generating a pair of assists.

BILLET SUCCESS
The Dukes achievements rest heavily on the families who bring players into their homes during the season. It is a real commitment that brings unique rewards in the form of lifelong friendships and the opportunity to share in the development of a young and emerging athlete and person.

Coach and GM Marty Abrams offered his thanks and appreciation to the Dukes community for stepping forward to provide billet homes for the team’s players.

“We couldn’t do this without them,” said Abrams. “I know it’s a lot to ask of a family, and we are thrilled that so many have agreed to do this. It means a lot.”

GARRY LAVENDER MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC
The Dukes golf tournament has returned. On Saturday September 3, the Garry Lavender Memorial Golf Classic gets underway at 11 a.m. The tournament has been a popular way for fans and players to mingle and share in the anticipation of a brand new season. This year, the tournament takes place at Wellington on the Lake Golf Course.

There are still a few spots left. Registration is open until this Friday, August 26. For the fee of $125, participants enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, a burger and drink at the turn followed by dinner and prizes at the Legion. As always, there is an abundance of prizes to be won.

“We hope to create an environment where people will want to socialize before and following the dinner,” said Abrams.

It is also a great way to honour the memory of the man who championed junior hockey in Wellington.