Skid
Defensive lapses cost Dukes on the road The Dukes discovered some holes in the boat over the weekend, dropping two against West Conference teams they won’t see again this season. Losing to Burlington was one thing. The Cougars are expected to be pushing the leaders in the conference. But falling to the Blades—the way they […]
Living dangerously
Dukes start the season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats But for a single period, the Dukes would be golden through three games in this young season. The 2024 version features more mass, and more heft than past seasons. So it may explain the sluggish start in Wellington’s home opener—but once the team […]
A fresh start
Dukes’ season ends, but the team and fan base are stronger than ever It was over too soon. Yet few Wellington Dukes fans felt this scrappy team had let them down—most stayed on their feet long after Toronto scored in overtime. After the other team had celebrated and left the ice. Wellington fans stayed to […]
From ashes
Wellington Dukes swing from near death to playoffs The Wellington Dukes were in trouble. Last summer the team was broken—the coach and general manager, the assistant coaches and even the trainer had bugged out for Trenton. Four Dukes players followed them. Those remaining were cast into the wind. Rumours had been circulating all summer long. […]
35 years
Unparalleled consistency of success For the 35th consecutive season, the Wellington Dukes are headed to the playoffs. The team clinched a postseason berth on the weekend, defeating the Lindsay Muskies twice. With just one game remaining in the regular season, the Dukes are perched in second spot in the East Conference. But a lot can […]
Fishing
Dukes nearing the finish line Just three games remain in the Dukes’ regular season. The team has all but sewn up a playoff spot. A win in either of its two upcoming games against the Lindsay Muskies this weekend will, in all likelihood, seal the deal. If the playoffs were to start today, the Dukes—in […]
Proving a point
Dukes push Golden Hawks to the limit It is gut-check time for the Wellington Dukes—and they passed the first test with flying colours. In a double-overtime loss to the Trenton Golden Hawks on Friday night, the second-place Dukes pushed the first-place Hawks to the limit in a game that could have gone either way. Earning […]
Crunch-crunch time
Dukes rounding out season With only seven games left in the season, it’s crunch-crunch time for the Wellington Dukes as they battle to hold onto second-place in the Eastern Division of the OJHL and also prepare for the opening round of the playoffs in March. Four of their upcoming games are against lesser teams in […]
Tightening
Just ten games remain for the Dukes in the regular season In a league without Trenton, Collingwood and perhaps another couple of teams, the Dukes would be kings. Yet, in Wellington, some fans fret about whether the hometown team will make the playoffs. With just ten games remaining in the regular schedule, the Dukes are […]
Tougher
Playing for keeps The Wellington Dukes keep getting better. Week by week. The team is perfect through four games in 2024—they’ve won nine of their last 11 games. And with key additions—Ryan Schaap, Nick Brady, Josh Rumolo and Brad Barker—the Dukes have become tougher and grittier to play against. The Cobourg Cougars will surely attest […]