The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks are loading up with talent ahead of the 2026-27 season, presented by Barry’s Construction.
The team has added eight new players to go with a strong nucleus of returning players, setting their sights squarely on the Ontario Elite Hockey League’s “AA” championship.
Joining the Winterhawks are:
F Connor Roberts, 26, was the 3rd overall selection in the 2016 OHL Draft. The Owen Sound native played four seasons in the OHL, split between the Hamilton Bulldogs and Flint Firebirds. Roberts played the past five seasons of university hockey in Nova Scotia at St. Francis Xavier University.
F Quinton Pagé, 21, played four seasons with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL, recording 50 points over 189 games. The Kincardine native helped Peterborough capture the 2023 OHL Championship.
D Reed Stauffer, 24, played three seasons of Jr. B with the Sarnia Legionnaires. The Port Elgin native served as captain until an injury cut his junior career short. Stauffer had been working for the Winterhawks in a scouting/recruiting role, but has persevered and worked his way back onto the ice.
D Beau Rusk, 30, is a towering 6’5″ defenceman who is originally from the Montréal area. Rusk played three seasons for the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL, where he helped them capture the 2015 league championship. Rusk and his family now call Hepworth home.
F Jakob Lee, 27, is an Owen Sound native coming off playing professionally in Switzerland, split between HC Lugano of the Swiss first division, and HC Sierre of the second division. Prior to playing pro, Lee played four seasons of NCAA hockey at R.P.I., as well as Jr. A in Alberta and Jr. B in Listowel.
F Noah Solinger, 26, is a Chatsworth native who returns to competitive hockey after a junior career that saw stops with Jr. A Sault Ste. Marie and Jr. B St. Catharines.
F Jerrid Fossold, 25, played three seasons of Jr. C with the Kincardine Bulldogs, where he recorded 56 points in 90 career games.
F Jason Taylor, 24, played Jr. C in Kincardine and the past two seasons with the OEHL’s Lucknow Lancers. The Paisley native brings size and grit to the forward depth.
Captain Miles MacLean leads the Winterhawks into his 9th season with the team and third as captain, joined by more than 20 returning players.
Notably, Curtis Johnston returns for his 17th season with the Winterhawks, and all-time leading scorer Brent MacDermid returns for his 16th season.
Other returning forwards include Luke Pither, Justin Marlowe, Justin Donnelly, Logan Freiburger, Clayton Fitzsimmons and Mike Fiegehen. Cam Lightfoot and Trevor Donaldson will start the season on the injured list, but are expected to rejoin the lineup when healthy.
On the blue line, incumbents include Todd Hellyer, Rob White, Josh Urbshott, Mike Johnstone, Keegan Angel, Chad Jones and Caleb Morrison, while Wyatt McNabb upgrades from affiliated player to full-time Winterhawk.
In the crease, goaltenders Clayton Fritsch, Eric Peicheff and Tyler Jackman all return between the pipes.
The team will also be adding a number of affiliated players from junior clubs throughout the season. Those players will be eligible to be “called up” when not playing for their junior club.
The Winterhawks open the season with the Outlaw Brew Co. Home Opener on Friday October 2nd when the Creemore Coyotes visit The Plex at 8:30 p.m.
Season tickets are on sale for $125, available at Gord’s Pro Shop, GOAT Sport Supply (during regular business hours), online at winterhawks.net or at the door prior to the home opener.
Season tickets include admission to all regular season and playoff home games.
