Expect a brand-new look for the Amherstburg Admirals this year.
The local Provincial Junior Hockey League (Junior C) team is in the midst of a huge transformation which will see them get bigger and hopefully win more games.
Last year, the Addys went 10-32-0-0 and were eliminated in five games by the Blenheim Blades in the post-season.
This past weekend, they held their training camp and head coach Beau Hunter was pleased at what he saw.
Those who were at the Vollmer Centre in LaSalle over the weekend no doubt noticed that the Admirals are going to be a lot bigger than they were during the 2023-24 season.
“I think it is going to be tough to play against us. “We want to get the puck deep and battle against every team,” said Hunter.
Amherstburg lost some veteran presence but gained a couple of guys who could make playing the Admirals tough every night.
Jack Bulmer comes over from the Essex 73’s to patrol the blueline and Darby Drouillard was in Wheatley last year with the Sharks.
“These are guys coming in from winning teams and they will show us the culture on how it needs to be done,” said Hunter.
Each team in the PJHL is now allowed to roster five overagers, both Drouillard and Bulmer fit into that category as does fellow defenceman, veteran Jadyn Brown who enters his fourth year.
Forward Connor DeMelo is a possible returnee and he would be one of the overagers. The other player who could have had another year is Owen Papulkas who has seen his rights shipped off to Wheatley.
Asked what he likes so far, Hunter said that the overall effort was much better than a year ago.
“I remember at last year’s training camp. There was not a lot of effort as there is this weekend. It’s nice to see the guys out there battling.”
With two new goalies in Russell Vaughan and Jay Proctor, along with a very big veteran-laden defence, the Admirals’ biggest concern is who will put the puck in the net.
Gone are Jacob Archer (21-14-35), Stefan Jacobs (12-22-34) and Papulkas (7-20-27).
“That is for them to show us,” said Hunter, who will contribute offensively. “Everyone is going to get a fair chance. It’s going to be whoever wants to step up and get it done.”
A couple of returnees who looked sharp on Sunday afternoon were Finnegan Russett and Alan Djordevic.
“It’s time for those guys to step up. They’ve been in the league a while and it’s their time.”
SLAPSHOTS - The Admirals are back on the ice in LaSalle this week and will be at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg right after the Labour Day weekend. Only one exhibition game is scheduled, Friday, Sept. 6 in Lakeshore.
Admirals open training camp and set for new season
By Fred Groves
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