July 12, 2024 Stratford Times STRATFORDHMISISPORTS Warriors SPENCER SEYMOUR Times Regional Reporter The Stratford Hunter Steel Ltd. War- riors have supplemented their returning core of players with 12 signings as part of the GOJHL off-season, including eight forwards, three defencemen and one goal- tender. Headlining the class of additions is 2024 fifth-round draft pick of the OHL’s Owen Sound Attack Quinn Kipfer. The product of Milverton had one point in six games as an affiliate player (AP) with the Warriors during this past year’s playoffs, four games of which came in the Cher- rey Cup Championship Series, and, in 62 games with the U16 Huron-Perth Lakers, Kipfer scored 30 goals and 67 points. Director of hockey operations Jason Clarke told the Times he is excited for what Kipfer can contribute as one of the team’s two possible 16-year-old players. “Quinn is a fantastic 2008-born play- er,” said Clarke. “He fit right in with us in the Cherrey Cup finals. We’re looking for him to develop and grow at the junior hockey level. He’s got a great skillset and _ forward or defence.” a very good hockey IQ.” Clarke offered very similar analysis for After appearing in 78 games spread forwards Colin Slattery and Carter over three seasons with the Brant- Petrie. Both Slattery and Petrie ford Bandits, Nicholas Hambly will be 17 years old by the end of has joined the Warriors’ line- September and posted one point up. Last year, Hambly scored in two games as an AP last sea- three goals and. eight points son. Petrie also appeared in six in 16 games with Brantford playoff games for Stratford. and, according to “Both Colin and Clarke, brings Carter have plenty of lots of skill versatility and speed,” to Strat- Clarke for said. “We're “Nich- looking olas is a for them veteran, to trans- junior fer those player in skills to our league the junior who can play level. Both didn't look out of place this past season skating with us and, in particular, playing in a tight game against Kitchener-Water- loo.” multiple positions. He plays with a strong physicality and possesses a skillset that will be an asset either on 804-B Ontario St., Stratford N5A 3K1i stratfordlegion0O08@gmail.com Stratford Branch 8 Branch 8 is having a Veteran’s Dinner on Friday, September 20. Please contact the branch office by phone, email or by a visit if you would like to attend. All veterans and First Responders are welcome at the branch Tuesday mornings 10:30 to noon for a social visit at the Buddy Check Coffee The Stratford Branch 8 Veterans Service Officer William Rothernel, with the support of Veterans Affairs Canada continues to serve the needs of all Canadian Veterans in need of assistance or advice on all service-related situations. Dominic Marshall, a Sebringville na- tive, and Jack McGurn from Cambridge bring some hard-nosed tenacity to the Warriors’ wings, Clarke continued. “Even though he’s missed a lot of hock- ey, I believe Dominic is well ahead on his development curve. He’s a gritty winger who skates very well. Jack is another grit- ty winger who can skate well and he’s got a knack for scoring timely goals.” Detroit Catholic Central (DCC), a U.S. high school hockey program, became an unlikely pipeline for the Warriors this off-season with three DCC players sign- ing to play in Stratford this coming season. Forwards Nolan Galda and Joshua Granowicz, both from Plymouth, Mich., along with Livonia, Mich. native Joseph Curtin, a defenceman, all bring A division of Riley Walsh Construction Ltd. “Take the stress cut of winter” office@elitesnowblowing ca roster taking shape with 12 signings key elements to the Warriors. “Nolan was a highly ranked player from a superb U.S. high-school program. He’s a big body with skill and strong skating. Joshua is a big right-shot forward. He’s an honest player who competes in all 200 feet of the ice. He brings good offensive skills and the ability to check and play re- liable minutes in the defensive zone. “Joseph also comes from the DCC pro- gram and we’re excited about what he brings to our blueline,” Clarke continued. “He’s a smooth-skating and defensively responsible player and we’ll be looking for him to log some important minutes for us.” Also joining Stratford’s back end are Aaron Green and Dracen Campbell. Clarke compared Green’s style of play to one of last year’s most offensively produc- tive rearguards, noting the intelligence of Campbell’s game as one of the central factors in the team signing him. “Aaron is offensively gifted and has great feet. He’s a lot like Jaxon Broda from this past season in terms of how he plays. We're looking for him to find the balance between offense and defence as he becomes an everyday player at the ju- nior level. “Dracen was a top-rated defender from his year in Junior C last season,” contin- ued Clarke. “He has a high hockey IQ, he sees the ice very well and he plays a very calm, controlling game. We're looking for him to be a key addi- tion to our defence core.” Last but not least is netminder Aidan Hill, who joins his hometown team after serving as an AP last season. Hill was a 12th round pick of the Ottawa 67’s in the 2023 OHL priority selection. “Aidan is a really strong, local goalten- der who continues to.develop at a great pace,” Clarke said. “We’re looking for him to play some meaningful minutes and be a great partner to Carter (McDougall).”