Busy off-season

Dukes fundraising, community relations and developing hockey talent

Despite a months-long off-season, running a hockey club requires attention all year round. It affords few breaks even during the sunny days of July.

The Wellington Dukes are no exception. In recent weeks, the team has signed eight new players, is getting ready to lead a development team at the Chowder Cup in Boston this weekend and preparing for a first-ever fundraising dance at Highline Hall at the Wellington District Community Centre.

This week, the Dukes, announced the team is reviving the annual golf tournament on a new day and month. The golf tournament is a popular fundraising event that brings players together with fans and the community for an afternoon of fun and competition. Set for Saturday afternoon, the event is being capped as a 72-person shotgun start.

“It’s a good opportunity for the players to get out into the community—the entire team will be here,” said assistant coach Ryan Woodward.

FILLING HOLES
The Dukes announced last week the team had signed four players who skated with Junior C clubs last season. Forward Tyler Harrison comes from the Ayr Centennials and was named Rookie of the Year in the Midwestern Junior ‘C’ Hockey League last season.

Jackson Arcan is a gritty two-way centre who played for the Alliston Hornets helping his team to the semi-finals in the Schmalz Cup.

Evan Foley is a Belleville native who impressed Dukes’ coaches during the development league play this spring. Foley was named Rookie of the Year in the Empire B with the Port Hope Panthers.

Also from the Panthers squad, hard-nosed defenceman Keegan Ferguson has also signed with the Dukes. Another CDHL standout, Brendan Rylott, has signed with Wellington. Last season, the speedy forward played as an underage player with the Campbellford Rebels.

“We are excited by the players we’ve added so far,” said Woodward. “We had an excellent turnout at our main camp, we were impressed by the level of talent. We’ve made some moves up front and on the back end that will help our club. As far as goaltending, we are taking our time and making sure we make the right decision.”

Tyler Harrison (22) conspires with Jackson Arcan (10) to snatch the puck from Dukes’ star Luc Brown in the team’s spring training camp in May.

BILLET HOMES NEEDED
Once again, the team is asking residents and families in Wellington, the County and Belleville area to consider opening their homes to a Dukes player this season. It is a perennial challenge for the team as it recruits and attracts competitors from across Canada, the U.S. and, indeed, the world.

“Billets are a big part of our operation,” said Woodward. “Without them, we would have a tough time. We need people to welcome [players] into their homes and make them part of their family. It is a very rewarding experience—participating in their success on and off the ice—as a student and athlete.”

LET’S DANCE
Peter Rea and The Reasons will be rocking Highline Hall on Friday, August 5 in support of the hockey club. Advance tickets are $20 or $35 per couple. Tickets are available at Lavender Furniture, McEwen’s convenience store and Duke of Wellington restaurant.

BELLEVILLE SENATORS
The prospect of AHL hockey in Belleville has Woodward excited for the city and hockey fans in the region.

“I think it is great for Belleville that a professional team is set to come here,” said Woodward. “Having AHL hockey will be exciting for all the fans.”