Looking forward, looking back

Braden Kavaratzis (top left) and Rusty Hafner (top right) skate with some young hopefuls in action on Saturday—during the first day of the Dukes training camp. Photo: Barry Norton

The Dukes assemble for a new campaign

The Dukes were back on the ice this weekend as training camp opened for the 2011-12 season. There are plenty of empty roster spots to fill in the coming weeks. Seven players from last year’s RBC Cup contending team have received scholarships to attend U.S. schools this fall.

An assortment of others won’t be returning— either traded or for other reasons. When all is said and done the team could have as few as eight or nine returnees in their lineup in September.

But before looking to far ahead, the team, its fans and community gathered to celebrate the wildly successful run the Dukes had in the 2010/11 season.

The Dukes’ new president, Doug Robinson, explained at the banquet dinner that the team had undergone considerable change over the past few months—including his taking the reins from Hugh Parliament as president.

“Some are uneasy with change,” said Robinson. “The league structure has changed again. We’ve had player changes and team ownership changes and we have a new trainer.

“But there are things that haven’t changed and will never change. The storied history of this franchise and the role the Lavender family has played in it will never be erased. We wear the same colours. We are the Dukes of Wellington.

“We are the winningest junior hockey team in the country—with the most loyals fans, community and sponsors. It is a recipe for another great season. Go Dukes go.”

Then it was time for special honours.

Brian Bunnett, Curtis Leonard, Simon Bessette, Jan Kaminsky, Darcy Greenaway and captain Sean Rudy each walked away with big shiny bowls. It was netminder Jordan Ruby’s night in the spotlight however—earning the team’s most valuable player for both the regular season and playoffs, the new fan favourite award (named in honour of the late Foster Bailey), as well as the Rick Meagher Award—chosen by his teammates. Ruby was the unanimous choice.

Coach and general manager told the players their achievement this past season will not be forgotten.

“You guys will be remembered as one of the best teams that ever played here,” said Abrams. “I believe you are every bit as good as the team that went to Charlottetown in the 2003/04 season.”

One of the more touching moments occurred when team owner Michael Mulvihill explained how he was presented with the first puck dropped in the new arena in December.

“I didn’t deserve that honour,” said Mulvihill. He turned and presented the puck—now mounted—to Zach Blake. Blake was with the Dukes for four years, playing through injuries much of last season.

“You’ve achieved more that 3,000 other junior hockey players in this country,” Mulvilhill told Blake. “This is your honour.”

Blake heads to Plattsburgh State on a scholarship this fall.

ON THE ICE

The pace was brisk and as the weekend wore on, the play took on more of an edge as each player worked to impress the Dukes coaches.

“I thought all the returning players and new recruits were really good,” said Abrams. “We’re happy with our recruiting and scouting efforts because those guys were really good.”

CAPTAIN NAMED

Every time he steps on the ice Simon Bessette is in high gear—pushing himself to be faster. This season he will wear the C and with that will come the responsibility to encourage the players around him to make the same effort.

“He doesn’t take any nights off—no practices off,” said Abrams. “He gives it everything he has every single day. He is the type of guy who is going to lead by example. His work ethic and his passion for the game are the things we look for in a Wellington Duke.”

PRE SEASON TOURNAMENTS

Before the puck drops for the home opener on Friday, Sept. 16 the Dukes will have participated in an couple of weekend tuneup tournaments. Once again the team will be skating in the Woodchuck Classic in Vermont, taking on the powerhouse teams of the U.S. northeast.

In a new twist—the Dukes will travel to Sault St. Marie, Michigan for a Labour Day weekend tournament against the teams from the NOJHL.

“It’s an idea that got kicked around last season,” explained Abrams. “They (Soo Eagles) took it and ran with it. They have made it real easy for us to attend and we are really looking forward to going.”

Fans will remember it took four overtime periods to defeat the Soo Eagles on the way to winning the Dudley Hewitt Cup in Huntsville in May.

NEXT UP: KINGSTON VOYAGEURS

Kingston will have a new coach behind the bench and an new owner watching from the railing when the Voyageurs come to Wellington this Friday.

The puck drops at 7:30 at the Essroc Arena in the Wellington and District Communty Centre on Friday.