The Sarnia Legionnaires open their 2023-24 Greater Ontario Junior Hockey season on Thursday night as they host the Komoka Kings at Pat Stapleton Arena.
The Legionnaires are looking to bounce from last year's 8th place finish. The only team they were ahead of was Komoka, who placed last in the Western Conference.
Sarnia went 11-32-6-1 over their 50 game schedule before being swept by the Leamington Flyers in the opening round of the playoffs.
New Head Coach Brian Irwin said he's excited to get the campaign underway.
"I'm just as excited as the guys," said Irwin. "We had a productive last couple weeks in practice. It seems like it's been a while since our last exhibition game but I think we're ready to go."
Irwin said they had some recent roster additions, and they're names that fans will be familiar with.
"Austin Harper and Ryan Richardson are back with the club, so there's a lot of excitement around the team," he said. "Those guys have been on board for the last few practices. They just make the top end of our roster that much stronger, and give us some depth through all four lines. I think we're ready to go. Optimism reigns supreme right now, and Thursday night can't come soon enough as far as the boys are concerned."
"I think there will be a natural transition here," said Irwin. "I'm expecting some growing pains between now and Christmas time, and I know we faced that last year. As the season progresses, a lot of players in the league get comfortable with the different environments and the pace of play and physicality. We want to get these guys exposed to the Pat Stapleton Arena, the small confines and the limited amount of space to move around. There is a significant difference at this level but, like I said, we've got veterans and our starting goalie coming back. I think we've got enough leadership and experience with our returners and the talent that's coming in to support those guys."
Other returning players include Wes Brooks (Captain), Cameron Graham, Colton Graham, Ty Moffatt, Landon Marcy, Jake Blum, Anthony Tudino, Logan Phillips, and Jace McGrail.
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The following players have been previously announced as joining the team this season:
- Alex Akena (Lambton Jr. Sting U18)
- Jack Martin (Elgin Middlesex Canucks U18)
- Matthew Anderson (Barrie Jr. Colts U16)
- Nathan Holland (Compuware U18)
- Ethan Waddick (Blenheim Blades)
- Lucas Durham (Oshawa Generals U18)
- Ty Therrien (Peterborough Petes U18)
- Braden Twigg (Elliot Lake Red Wings)
- Colin Langstaff (North Middlesex Stars)
- Caeleb Bowler (Kincardine Bulldogs)
- Iain MacIsaac (Goderich Flyers)
- Ayden Hakkers (Goderich Flyers)
- Jimmy Monks (Gabriel Richard Catholic High School)
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The Sarnia Legionnaires' full schedule can be found here: