Out

Dukes fight to the finish, but Pickering moves on

It’s over. The season slipped away too soon. The Dukes were swept in four games by the Pickering Panthers, who will now proceed to the second round of the OJHL playoffs.

It seems only a short while ago the Dukes were assembling for season 37. Now it is over. The season started with clouds hanging over the Wellington franchise. It finishes the season with the same dark shadow.

The players will disperse quickly. The rink will be given over to minor hockey, pick-up hockey, and figure skating. Yet, questions about the Dukes’ future will linger.

There will be a time to ask these questions. But for now, we focus on a thrilling season past.

Things got off to a rollicking start in September as the Dukes rolled off five of six games in the month. But a wonky schedule and gravity led to a tough October—the Dukes emerged victorious in just one of 12 games in Pumpkinfest month.

The Dukes’ performance in November and December was a roller coaster. By the new year, Wellington was winning more games than losing. February saw the Dukes lock in a playoff spot—the OJHL’s longest streak of success. It also featured a satisfying 5-3 win in Trenton.

STANDOUTS
Captain Sacha Trudel led this collection of misfit toys into competence. He managed to increase his point totals without buffing out the sharper edges of his game. Zach Carrier greatly enhanced his production this season—leading the Dukes in scoring. Indeed, Carrier was the fifth-leading goal scorer in the OJHL in 2025/26. Will Mitchell, Zach Mascard, Evan Erwin and Sammy Longo added another layer of energy and excitement throughout the season.

Cole Ellis, Kyle Grasby and Carson Albert anchored a defence that had some very good nights along with some forgettable outings.

Key additions came along to supplement the core. Landon Marleau and Liam Campbell both joined in October and made an immediate positive impact. Tristan Williams helped to bolster the Dukes’ blueline in November.

At the trade deadline, the team brought in Dryden Riley to solidify the team’s netminding. Riley had an outstanding season in a Dukes’ jersey.

Cooper Woron, Aiden Lee and Cain Tucker also joined the squad in January, rounding out the Dukes’ threat.

THE FINAL SERIES
The Dukes were eliminated in four games. But not for a lack of fight. Or determination. The 2025/26 Wellington Dukes worked hard. Skated hard. And battled hard. The Dukes were in every game. None was a blow-out or a gimme.

They fought hard for each other. They fought brilliantly to restore a tradition of hockey success in Wellington. They fought for the fans of this hockey club.

They worked hard all season to ensure there was a strong foundation for another. And another after that.

Because nothing can be taken for granted in junior hockey. Nothing is ever certain.

But these young men—guided by two young men, each just a decade removed from wearing the Dukes jersey themselves—made Wellington proud. Again.