While the crowds converge on Saugeen Shores for Pumpkinfest, the Winterhawks will be headed out of town to kick off the 2024-25 Ontario Elite Hockey League season.
It will certainly look a little different on the ice, as the Winterhawks roster lost eight players over the summer, but will still be welcoming back a veteran squad with some new faces.
In goal, Winterhawks all-time wins leader Jeff Flagler has called it a career, but the net will still be protected by a trio of returning goalies: Clayton Fritsch, Tristan Lewis and Eric Peicheff. A team can't have too much depth in goal, with Saugeen Shores native Tyler Jackman added to the goaltending ranks.
The blueline will be the most drastically different, with two new signings and the return of ex-NHLer Theo Peckham, who joins the Winterhawks for the third time.
Wiarton native Josh Urbshott comes aboard after a junior career that saw him put up impressive numbers with Jr. B St. Catharines, as well as Niagara Falls and Walkerton. Owen Sound's Caleb Morrison is an imposing figure on the blueline, the 6'4" defender played junior hockey in Stayner, Walkerton and Kincardine.
They join incumbents Medric Mercier, Josh Deyell, Chad Jones and Kent Ribey.
Up front, Southampton native Cam Lightfoot has signed after a junior career that saw stops with Jr. B Thorold and Sarnia.
The team is also bringing back all-time leading scorer Brent MacDermid, who has put up 347 points in 232 career games, and Mike Johnstone, who played last season with the Lucknow Lancers.
New Head Coach Nathan Perrott will take his club to Seaforth this Saturday night to kick off the season with a Voyago Transit road game against the perennially tough Centenaires at 7:30 p.m.
The Outlaw Brew Co. Home Opener is set to go on Friday night, October 11th at The Plex, with an 8:30 p.m. start time.
With Trevor Smith hanging up his skates, the team will be introducing the third captain in the club's history at the home opener.
Season tickets are now on sale for $125 each, which includes admission to all Winterhawks home games, including playoffs.
Season tickets can be purchased at winterhawks.net or in-person at Gord's Pro Shop @ The Plex during normal business hours, as well as at the front door prior to the home opener.
Single game tickets are $10 for adult admission across all OEHL games this season.
New this season is the
Three Sheets Brewing VIP Bar, which will be located at the south end of the seating area. This bar offers a great view of the ice, and is open to season ticket holders, sponsors and invited guests ONLY.
Stay tuned for information on how to book the VIP bar for a group outing!
As you may be aware, the Town of Saugeen Shores municipal office has been temporarily re-located to Rotary Hall at The Plex, which has resulted in some game-night changes for Winterhawks games.
The Hawks Nest bar will still be operating this season in the east half of Rotary Hall, albeit at a reduced capacity. However, the seating area remains licensed, so fans can bring their drink back to their seat with them.
The sound booth is
off-limits to the public until further notice. Only Winterhawks game night staff may access the sound booth. Messages and/or requests for the sound booth are to be submitted to Gord's Pro Shop.
The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks are proud to welcome
Judy Rich Law Office as the title sponsor of the 2024-25 season. Specializing in business & real estate transactions, as well as estate planning & administration, call Judy's office at 519-797-3223 for your legal needs!