Another year of hockey begins as the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks get set to open the 2023-2024 season at home.The Winterhawks are excited to be hosting the first game in the history of the Ontario Elite Hockey League (OEHL), as play begins under sanction of the Ontario Hockey Association and Hockey Canada.The Milverton 4 Wheel Drives will come to The Plex this Friday, October 6th, at 8:30 p.m. to kick off play in the OEHL.As an added bonus to kick off the season, Winterhawks’ Assistant Coach, Jeff Barfoot, will be cutting his hair for charity after the game.
Barfoot’s long locks will be donated to Wigs for Kids, along with funds from a GoFundMe and donation buckets at the game. To date, the GoFundMe has raised $755. (Link: https://gofund.me/a66f5cc1)The roster is taking shape with nearly the entire roster returning from last season, and several exciting new additions.In goal, the Winterhawks are returning last season’s trio, led by the club’s all-time wins leader, Jeff Flagler. He’ll be joined in the crease by veterans Eric Peicheff and Clayton Fritsch.The forward group includes incumbents Miles MacLean, Luke Pither, Lauchlin Elder, Logan Freiburger, Trent Hawke, Andy Fracz, Mike Fiegehen, Andy Mitchell, Curtis Johnston, James McHaig, Matt Shields, Justin Donnelly, Mike Johnstone, Jordan Vanhaelemeesch and Justin Marlowe, who returns after playing last season in Shallow Lake.A big addition to the forward core is 6’7″ veteran Dan Zweep. The 31-year old was a member of the 2011 Owen Sound Attack OHL championship squad, and played the last six seasons with Shallow Lake, where he recorded 86 points in 96 games.On defence, ex-pro defender Medric Mercier returns to anchor the blueline, along with Captain Trevor Smith, Josh Hopkin, Josh Deyell, Nick Quaid, Kevin McCallion and Chad Jones.A new signing on the blue-line is Bruce Township native Kent Ribey. A shutdown defender, the 23-year old played his junior hockey for the Kincardine Bulldogs.Several other signings of returning and new players are expected prior to opening night.Season tickets are now on-sale, which can be purchased through the Season Tickets online order form at winterhawks.net or in-person at Gord’s Pro Shop at The Plex during normal business hours. Season tickets will also be available to purchase during October home games.Single game tickets are $10 for the regular season and $12 for the playoffs, and can be purchased at the door.Kids 10 years of age and under remain free with adult ticket purchase.
