The Stratford Warriors Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) season begins tonight with the first of four games against the St. Marys Lincolns, part of the Battle of Highway 7.
The two teams fought an epic Sutherland Cup semi-final series in April, with the Lincolns winning Game 7 by a 4-2 count in St. Marys.
Head Coach Dave Williams said it is a fitting way to start the season.
“I think it’s great given how our season ended last year. We could maybe have an opponent that might be a little easier than St. Marys. They obviously have a really good hockey club. We’re excited to get back at it, and I don’t think there’s a better way than to jump right back into the fire again.”
The Warriors have six rookies in the lineup on the forward lines, something Williams isn’t at all concerned about.
“It’s natural in our league to lose guys to age and with the development model the GOHL has. Sometimes you’re going to lose guys to the Ontario Hockey League and other leagues. We’ve brought in a good group of first-year guys and we are really happy with the returning group we’ve got.”
He added the returning players will be great mentors for the first-year skaters on the team.
Defenceman Aaron Greene and forward Colin Slattery have been named co-captains, something Williams said was an easy decision.
“We’ve been very fortunate over the last number of years to have local captains. I think for them there’s a little extra passion and care for wanting to do well with the group. They’ve grown up in the community and, as youngsters, probably watched previous teams.”
Both players are entering their third seasons with the Warriors.
Puck drop tonight at the Pyramid Recreation Centre in St. Marys is at 7:30 p.m.
