October 5, 2007
MEN'S HOCKEY WEST DIVISION PREVIEW
HAMILTON, Ont. - As another Ontario University Athletics (OUA) men's hockey season gets set to take to the ice tonight, the west conference will see some changes this season.
The UOIT Ridgebacks join the OUA men's hockey conference for their inaugural season of play. They enter the league playing in the mid west division with Brock, Guelph and York. Due to the addition, Laurier has since moved to an already very competitive far west division joining Lakehead, Waterloo, Western and Windsor.
The west division also sees three new head coaches to various programs. The Windsor Lancers welcome Pete Belliveau behind the bench. Belliveau joins the Lancers after spending the past 6 seasons with the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. During that time, he led Lakehead to an impressive OUA regular season record of 91-44-11 and a 26-12 playoff record. His teams were unbeatable at home in the playoffs, as they enjoyed a 13-0 record at Fort William Gardens in the playoffs during his tenure
The Lakehead Thunderwolves in turn welcome Don McKee to the program. McKee joins the Thunderwolves after after a very impressive coaching career in the professional, university, and junior ranks. McKee joins the Wolves after six seasons as Head Coach of the Odessa Jackelopes of the Central Hockey League (and WPHL) where he compiled an overall record of 241-159-52 (.600 Winning %). McKee led Odessa to three divisional titles and one Governor's Cup Regular Season League title in 2002. He was twiced named Coach of the Year with Odessa and also received the CHL Kozuback Award for outstanding contributions to CHL hockey.
Finally the Guelph Gryphons see Shawn Camp as their new head coach. Camp, an Ottawa native was an assistant coach with Memorial Cup champions Hull Olympiques (1997), and head coach/general manager of Hawkesbury of the Ontario Central Junior Hockey League (1998-2000). No stranger to the CIS, he was also an assistant coach with the Ottawa Gee Gees from 1990-1995.
FAR WEST DIVISION
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES
2006: 3rd in far west division (13-10-3-2)
2007: Open on the road versus the Windsor Lancers, October 5 @ 7:05 pm
New Head Coach Don McKee and his Thunderwolves are coming off a very tough and competitive training camp and will field a roster of 23 players for the 2007-08 campaign; two goaltenders, eight defencemen, and 13 forwards. Lakehead will look for scoring and leadership from veterans like Tobias Whelan, Mike Wehrstedt, Dan Speer, and new captain Andrew Brown; and hope to see strong offense from sophomore Mark Soares who was OUA West Rookie of the Year last season.
Goaltender Chris Whitley has looked sharp and fit at the Lakehead camp and he will be ably backed by freshman Kyle Moir. Other freshmen to watch are forwards Kris Hogg and Devin Welsh as well as defensemen Mitch Maunu, Pierre-Marc Guilbault, and Jordan B. Smith.
The Wolves will look to Richard Molenaar, Matt Maisonneuve, and Brock McPherson to play strong two-way hockey and sophomore Nathan Breukelman could surprise people this season with his playmaking skills.
With the addition of the three strong freshmen defensemen; Lakehead looks to have perhaps its strongest defensive corps ever, led by veterans Drew Kivell and Steve Rawski. Jordan C. Smith and his rugged blue line presence returns for his sophomore season as will Dan Rogers. OUA All Star Matt Jacques and Andy Zulyniak will be counted on to add offense from the blue line.
LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS
2006: 1st in mid west division (22-5-1-0)
2007: Open at home versus the Waterloo Warriors, October 10 @ 7:30 pm
The Golden Hawk men's hockey program will return to the ice this season with many familiar faces. The Golden Hawks look to finish off where they left off after losing in the national semi-final to Moncton 5-4 in overtime last season. Forward Mark Voakes returns to the lineup - last season he finished the year with 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists), enough for fifth in the nation. Behind him on the team 5'6 forward Nick Vergeer who had his best season in the purple and gold with 35 (7 goals and 28 assists).
Head Coach Kelly Nobes' recruits for the year include Mark Voakes' sibling Craig who comes off a season in the OHL which saw him scoring 21 and assisting on 42 on two different teams for his best season. Also joining him in his first season for Laurier are Jean-Michel Rizk, Colin Williams, Tyler Townsend, Troy Murray and Mike Galbraith.
Returning to backstop the team is Jeff MacDougald who was named a CIS Championship Tournament all-star last season.
WATERLOO WARRIORS
2006: 1st in far west division (21-4-2-1)
2007: Open on the road versus Laurier Golden Hawks, October 10 @ 7:30 pm
Led by third year head coach Brian Bourque, Warrior Hockey is going into the 2007-2008 season looking to build on their 21-4-2-1 record from a year ago. A strong contingent of returning players and a good crop of recruits will be an asset in the very tough OUA Far West Division.
Key returning players for the Warriors this season include 2006-2007 leading scorer David Edgeworth. The third year Kinesiology student had 13 goals and 32 points in 25 games last season for the Warriors. Third year defenceman and 2007 second team OUA all star Sean Moir returns as the Warriors oldest defenceman and will be expected to lead a very young defence. In goal the Warriors will look to 2007 OUA all rookie team goalie Jimmy Bernier to take over the reins between the pipes.
Key recruits for the Warriors this season consist of former Kelowna Rockets (WHL) captain Chris Ray. Ray brings a great deal of speed to the Warrior line up along with the experience of two Memorial Cup championship tournaments, one of which he won. Alongside Ray is former Brampton Battalion (OHL) Kyle Sonnenberg. The smooth skating defenceman is smart with the puck and will fit in nicely to the Warrior defensive core. In goal former Moncton Wildcat (QMJHL) Jhase Sniderman, also with Memorial Cup experience, has been added to the roster giving the Warriors great depth in net.
WESTERN MUSTANGS
2006: 2nd in far west division (17-6-3-2)
2007: Open on the road versus RMC, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
The Western Mustangs hockey team will welcome 10 new faces to the lineup when they open their 2007-08 season this weekend with a pair of games in Kingston, Ont.
After winning the York Invitational Hockey Tournament - capping it off with a 7-3 win over Ryerson - Western looks to be in good shape to compete for the OUA crown this season.
Defenders Sean De Muynck (Strathroy, Ont. - Leamington Flyers), Marcus Smith (Markham, Ont. - York Lions) and Adam Nemeth (Amherstburg, Ont. - Kingston Frontenacs), forwards Chris Rengert (Maple Ridge, B.C.), Kyle Lamb (Port Coquitlam, B.C. - Lethbridge Hurricanes), Rob Drummond (London, Ont. - London Knights), Cody McMullin (Cranbrook, B.C. - Salmon River Silverbacks), Matt Raymond (Orillia, Ont. - Plattsburght St. Cardinals) and Ryan Martinelli (London, Ont. - London Knights), and goalie Keyvan Hunt (Port Coquitlam, B.C. - Victoria Grizzlies) are new to the lineup.
Blue-liner Martinelli is expected to make an immediate impact as an offensive defenceman, while Hunt is a capable puck-stopper to give Brad Topping some healthy competition for the starting goalie role. Nemeth is a former OHL standout defenceman in Kingston and will fill the void left by Chris Eade on the blueline.
WINDSOR LANCERS
2006: 4th in far west division (10-17-0-1)
2007: Open at home versus the Lakehead Thunderwolves, October 5 @ 7:05 pm
The new-look Lancers under new Head Coach Pete Belliveau will be a very young team with 10 freshmen starters in the line-up. Belliveau has brought in an outstanding group of defenseman and goaltenders in this year's recruiting class. New to the nets for the Lancers this season will be top recruits Jim Watt (WHL Spokane Chiefs) and Nick Olynyk (WHL Tri-City Americans).
Leading the freshmen blue liners will be former Windsor Spitfire Scott Todd and Trevor Solomon (OHL Sault Ste. Marie/London). The addition of these two big defensemen to an already strong defensive core that includes team captain Chad Snihur and Derek Merlini gives the Lancers a solid nucleus at the back end.
Up front, Belliveau has added Mike Barbour (QMJHL - Cape Breton) to his group of forwards who'll be led by veterans Alex White and Scott Gibson. Gibson is considered to be one of the most physical power forwards in the league. Both will be expected to make big contributions on the score sheet this season.
MID WEST DIVISION
BROCK BADGERS
2006: 3rd in mid west division (14-12-1-1)
2007: Open on the road versus Concordia, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
The Badgers are coming of their third best winning season in school history posting a 14-12-1-1 regular season record in 2006-07. With 18 returnees and a very strong recruiting class the Badgers will look to rise to the top of the new OUA West Division.
Key individuals returning for the 07-08 campaign include their leading scorer from last season, senior, Ryan Delmonte (Mississauga, Ont.) who finished 18th in the CIS with 33 points (14G-19A). John Labelle (Prevost, Que.), Mike MacIntyre (Sioux Lookout, Ont.), Pat Selin (Cochrane, Alb.) and Welland native, Matt Harpwood, round out the senior class. Also returning is OUA All-Rookie Team selection Paul Holder, who was one of the leading defensemen in OUA scoring last season finishing with 21 points.
Newcomers for 2007-08 include former Sudbury Wolves centreman Gary Freisen (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.). Trevor Selin (Cochrane, Alb.), the 6'3", 230lbs brother of Badgers defenceman Pat, will be patrolling the left wing. Trevor played in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the Humboldt Broncos. Rounding out the recruits up front is former Hamilton Red Wings winger Steve Mullin (Guelph, Ont.). Mullin was the third leading scorer in the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League last season. On defence, another BCHL graduate, Steve Pattison (Red Deer, Alb.), will join Joey Pell (Dryden, Ont) and Scott Duncan (Ancaster, Ont.). The 6'4", 215 pound Pell was a member of the Canadian Junior A champions, Aurora Tigers last year and the 6"3" 210 pound Duncan was a teammate of Mullin's in Hamilton. Pattison patrolled the blueline for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
GUELPH GRYPHONS
2006: 4th in mid west division (7-14-3-4)
2007: Open on the road versus McGill Redmen, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
Similar to last season, the Guelph Gryphon Men's Hockey Team is a young team, with only one fourth-year player on the roster. Under the helm of first-year Head Coach, Shawn Camp the team looks to be in good shape this season returning 16-players, in their second or third year. The Gryphons are hoping their team size and speed will help give them an edge in returning to the post season, after a two-year absence from the playoffs.
Returning forward Thomas Laplante (Ste-Foy, QC) will play a key role for the Gryphons up front after leading the team in goals last season accumulating 21 goals and 10 assists. Fourth-year Greg MacArthur (London, ON) will lead the way on defence. The goaltending situation is in great shape with two outstanding goalkeepers in third-year Adam Jennings (Calgary, AB) and third-year Andrew Arklie (Dugald, AB) will be counted on to continue their solid play in net. Added to the mix are several highly-touted recruits who are hoping to fill the gaps.
UOIT RIDGEBACKS
2006: Did not participate in OUA competition
2007: Open at home versus the Queen's Golden Gaels, October 12 @ 7:30 pm
After being accepted as the 19th member of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in early 2006, the UOIT (University of Ontario Institute of Technology) Ridgebacks men's and women's hockey program began its inaugural season in fall 2007. The hockey programs develop personal skills to the highest level and create immediate contenders that bring championships to UOIT's campus.
Remember that when you visit UOIT you enter Ridgebacks territory - proceed with caution and enter at your own risk. Go Ridgebacks.
UOIT's varsity hockey teams play at one of the premier ice facilities in Ontario. The $15-million Campus Ice Centre (CIC) features two twin-pad NHL-sized rinks with a seating capacity of 550, with additional standing room for 200 on the main pad and 250 on the secondary pad. The facility is home to NHL-style varsity dressing rooms with first-class amenities. In addition, it houses Shagwells on the Ridge, a restaurant with delicious food, spacious seating and great atmosphere for fans to watch the Ridgebacks in action.
The Ridgebacks will look to head coach Marlin Muylaert who has extensive experience in the OUA hockey program, having coached the Guelph University Gryphon's for 11 years, and was recently inducted into the Gryphon's Hall of Fame.
Among his other outstanding qualifications he was the head coach at the University of Wisconsin at Eauclaire (1999-2002), he has earned 8 OUA division titles and 2 OUA Ontario Championships while at Guelph University, was CIS National Champion (1987) and nationally ranked 10 years in a row at Guelph University and was also named OUA Coach of the Year in 1997
YORK LIONS
2006: 2nd in mid west division (13-10-3-2)
2007: Open at home versus RMC, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
After playing six overtimes in a 2-0, best-of-three, opening-round playoff loss against the Lakehead Thunderwolves last season, the York Lions certainly know what it takes to play emotional playoff hockey. With 18 players returning from last season, the Lions are determined to make a deeper playoff run this time around. Key returnees include Matt Passfield, named the captain in his fifth and final season, 2006-07 OUA all-rookie team member Jesse Grespan and second-team all-star Tyler Harrison, younger brother of one-time Maple Leaf Jay Harrison.
A rookie class filled with solid prospects should bolster the roster. To replace second-team all-star goaltender Kevin Druce, the Lions have brought in OHL veteran DiRienzo, who finished his junior career with the tier II Vaughan Vipers last season. DiRienzo joins two fellow Vipers grads on the Lions - defenceman Trevor Waddell and forward Nathaniel Brooks. Other top junior grads include westerners Ryan Hyland and Jeff Matheson and two-time Royal Bank Cup winning forward Doug Henderson of the Aurora Tigers.
(With files from Sports Information Directors in the west division)
- OUA -
Michelle Church
Communications & Media Relations Coordinator
Ontario University Athletics
Tel: (905) 540-5156
Fax: (905) 574-2840
E-mail: michelle.church@oua.ca
Web: www.oua.ca
The UOIT Ridgebacks join the OUA men's hockey conference for their inaugural season of play. They enter the league playing in the mid west division with Brock, Guelph and York. Due to the addition, Laurier has since moved to an already very competitive far west division joining Lakehead, Waterloo, Western and Windsor.
The west division also sees three new head coaches to various programs. The Windsor Lancers welcome Pete Belliveau behind the bench. Belliveau joins the Lancers after spending the past 6 seasons with the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. During that time, he led Lakehead to an impressive OUA regular season record of 91-44-11 and a 26-12 playoff record. His teams were unbeatable at home in the playoffs, as they enjoyed a 13-0 record at Fort William Gardens in the playoffs during his tenure
The Lakehead Thunderwolves in turn welcome Don McKee to the program. McKee joins the Thunderwolves after after a very impressive coaching career in the professional, university, and junior ranks. McKee joins the Wolves after six seasons as Head Coach of the Odessa Jackelopes of the Central Hockey League (and WPHL) where he compiled an overall record of 241-159-52 (.600 Winning %). McKee led Odessa to three divisional titles and one Governor's Cup Regular Season League title in 2002. He was twiced named Coach of the Year with Odessa and also received the CHL Kozuback Award for outstanding contributions to CHL hockey.
Finally the Guelph Gryphons see Shawn Camp as their new head coach. Camp, an Ottawa native was an assistant coach with Memorial Cup champions Hull Olympiques (1997), and head coach/general manager of Hawkesbury of the Ontario Central Junior Hockey League (1998-2000). No stranger to the CIS, he was also an assistant coach with the Ottawa Gee Gees from 1990-1995.
FAR WEST DIVISION
LAKEHEAD THUNDERWOLVES
2006: 3rd in far west division (13-10-3-2)
2007: Open on the road versus the Windsor Lancers, October 5 @ 7:05 pm
New Head Coach Don McKee and his Thunderwolves are coming off a very tough and competitive training camp and will field a roster of 23 players for the 2007-08 campaign; two goaltenders, eight defencemen, and 13 forwards. Lakehead will look for scoring and leadership from veterans like Tobias Whelan, Mike Wehrstedt, Dan Speer, and new captain Andrew Brown; and hope to see strong offense from sophomore Mark Soares who was OUA West Rookie of the Year last season.
Goaltender Chris Whitley has looked sharp and fit at the Lakehead camp and he will be ably backed by freshman Kyle Moir. Other freshmen to watch are forwards Kris Hogg and Devin Welsh as well as defensemen Mitch Maunu, Pierre-Marc Guilbault, and Jordan B. Smith.
The Wolves will look to Richard Molenaar, Matt Maisonneuve, and Brock McPherson to play strong two-way hockey and sophomore Nathan Breukelman could surprise people this season with his playmaking skills.
With the addition of the three strong freshmen defensemen; Lakehead looks to have perhaps its strongest defensive corps ever, led by veterans Drew Kivell and Steve Rawski. Jordan C. Smith and his rugged blue line presence returns for his sophomore season as will Dan Rogers. OUA All Star Matt Jacques and Andy Zulyniak will be counted on to add offense from the blue line.
LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS
2006: 1st in mid west division (22-5-1-0)
2007: Open at home versus the Waterloo Warriors, October 10 @ 7:30 pm
The Golden Hawk men's hockey program will return to the ice this season with many familiar faces. The Golden Hawks look to finish off where they left off after losing in the national semi-final to Moncton 5-4 in overtime last season. Forward Mark Voakes returns to the lineup - last season he finished the year with 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists), enough for fifth in the nation. Behind him on the team 5'6 forward Nick Vergeer who had his best season in the purple and gold with 35 (7 goals and 28 assists).
Head Coach Kelly Nobes' recruits for the year include Mark Voakes' sibling Craig who comes off a season in the OHL which saw him scoring 21 and assisting on 42 on two different teams for his best season. Also joining him in his first season for Laurier are Jean-Michel Rizk, Colin Williams, Tyler Townsend, Troy Murray and Mike Galbraith.
Returning to backstop the team is Jeff MacDougald who was named a CIS Championship Tournament all-star last season.
WATERLOO WARRIORS
2006: 1st in far west division (21-4-2-1)
2007: Open on the road versus Laurier Golden Hawks, October 10 @ 7:30 pm
Led by third year head coach Brian Bourque, Warrior Hockey is going into the 2007-2008 season looking to build on their 21-4-2-1 record from a year ago. A strong contingent of returning players and a good crop of recruits will be an asset in the very tough OUA Far West Division.
Key returning players for the Warriors this season include 2006-2007 leading scorer David Edgeworth. The third year Kinesiology student had 13 goals and 32 points in 25 games last season for the Warriors. Third year defenceman and 2007 second team OUA all star Sean Moir returns as the Warriors oldest defenceman and will be expected to lead a very young defence. In goal the Warriors will look to 2007 OUA all rookie team goalie Jimmy Bernier to take over the reins between the pipes.
Key recruits for the Warriors this season consist of former Kelowna Rockets (WHL) captain Chris Ray. Ray brings a great deal of speed to the Warrior line up along with the experience of two Memorial Cup championship tournaments, one of which he won. Alongside Ray is former Brampton Battalion (OHL) Kyle Sonnenberg. The smooth skating defenceman is smart with the puck and will fit in nicely to the Warrior defensive core. In goal former Moncton Wildcat (QMJHL) Jhase Sniderman, also with Memorial Cup experience, has been added to the roster giving the Warriors great depth in net.
WESTERN MUSTANGS
2006: 2nd in far west division (17-6-3-2)
2007: Open on the road versus RMC, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
The Western Mustangs hockey team will welcome 10 new faces to the lineup when they open their 2007-08 season this weekend with a pair of games in Kingston, Ont.
After winning the York Invitational Hockey Tournament - capping it off with a 7-3 win over Ryerson - Western looks to be in good shape to compete for the OUA crown this season.
Defenders Sean De Muynck (Strathroy, Ont. - Leamington Flyers), Marcus Smith (Markham, Ont. - York Lions) and Adam Nemeth (Amherstburg, Ont. - Kingston Frontenacs), forwards Chris Rengert (Maple Ridge, B.C.), Kyle Lamb (Port Coquitlam, B.C. - Lethbridge Hurricanes), Rob Drummond (London, Ont. - London Knights), Cody McMullin (Cranbrook, B.C. - Salmon River Silverbacks), Matt Raymond (Orillia, Ont. - Plattsburght St. Cardinals) and Ryan Martinelli (London, Ont. - London Knights), and goalie Keyvan Hunt (Port Coquitlam, B.C. - Victoria Grizzlies) are new to the lineup.
Blue-liner Martinelli is expected to make an immediate impact as an offensive defenceman, while Hunt is a capable puck-stopper to give Brad Topping some healthy competition for the starting goalie role. Nemeth is a former OHL standout defenceman in Kingston and will fill the void left by Chris Eade on the blueline.
WINDSOR LANCERS
2006: 4th in far west division (10-17-0-1)
2007: Open at home versus the Lakehead Thunderwolves, October 5 @ 7:05 pm
The new-look Lancers under new Head Coach Pete Belliveau will be a very young team with 10 freshmen starters in the line-up. Belliveau has brought in an outstanding group of defenseman and goaltenders in this year's recruiting class. New to the nets for the Lancers this season will be top recruits Jim Watt (WHL Spokane Chiefs) and Nick Olynyk (WHL Tri-City Americans).
Leading the freshmen blue liners will be former Windsor Spitfire Scott Todd and Trevor Solomon (OHL Sault Ste. Marie/London). The addition of these two big defensemen to an already strong defensive core that includes team captain Chad Snihur and Derek Merlini gives the Lancers a solid nucleus at the back end.
Up front, Belliveau has added Mike Barbour (QMJHL - Cape Breton) to his group of forwards who'll be led by veterans Alex White and Scott Gibson. Gibson is considered to be one of the most physical power forwards in the league. Both will be expected to make big contributions on the score sheet this season.
MID WEST DIVISION
BROCK BADGERS
2006: 3rd in mid west division (14-12-1-1)
2007: Open on the road versus Concordia, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
The Badgers are coming of their third best winning season in school history posting a 14-12-1-1 regular season record in 2006-07. With 18 returnees and a very strong recruiting class the Badgers will look to rise to the top of the new OUA West Division.
Key individuals returning for the 07-08 campaign include their leading scorer from last season, senior, Ryan Delmonte (Mississauga, Ont.) who finished 18th in the CIS with 33 points (14G-19A). John Labelle (Prevost, Que.), Mike MacIntyre (Sioux Lookout, Ont.), Pat Selin (Cochrane, Alb.) and Welland native, Matt Harpwood, round out the senior class. Also returning is OUA All-Rookie Team selection Paul Holder, who was one of the leading defensemen in OUA scoring last season finishing with 21 points.
Newcomers for 2007-08 include former Sudbury Wolves centreman Gary Freisen (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.). Trevor Selin (Cochrane, Alb.), the 6'3", 230lbs brother of Badgers defenceman Pat, will be patrolling the left wing. Trevor played in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the Humboldt Broncos. Rounding out the recruits up front is former Hamilton Red Wings winger Steve Mullin (Guelph, Ont.). Mullin was the third leading scorer in the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League last season. On defence, another BCHL graduate, Steve Pattison (Red Deer, Alb.), will join Joey Pell (Dryden, Ont) and Scott Duncan (Ancaster, Ont.). The 6'4", 215 pound Pell was a member of the Canadian Junior A champions, Aurora Tigers last year and the 6"3" 210 pound Duncan was a teammate of Mullin's in Hamilton. Pattison patrolled the blueline for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
GUELPH GRYPHONS
2006: 4th in mid west division (7-14-3-4)
2007: Open on the road versus McGill Redmen, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
Similar to last season, the Guelph Gryphon Men's Hockey Team is a young team, with only one fourth-year player on the roster. Under the helm of first-year Head Coach, Shawn Camp the team looks to be in good shape this season returning 16-players, in their second or third year. The Gryphons are hoping their team size and speed will help give them an edge in returning to the post season, after a two-year absence from the playoffs.
Returning forward Thomas Laplante (Ste-Foy, QC) will play a key role for the Gryphons up front after leading the team in goals last season accumulating 21 goals and 10 assists. Fourth-year Greg MacArthur (London, ON) will lead the way on defence. The goaltending situation is in great shape with two outstanding goalkeepers in third-year Adam Jennings (Calgary, AB) and third-year Andrew Arklie (Dugald, AB) will be counted on to continue their solid play in net. Added to the mix are several highly-touted recruits who are hoping to fill the gaps.
UOIT RIDGEBACKS
2006: Did not participate in OUA competition
2007: Open at home versus the Queen's Golden Gaels, October 12 @ 7:30 pm
After being accepted as the 19th member of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in early 2006, the UOIT (University of Ontario Institute of Technology) Ridgebacks men's and women's hockey program began its inaugural season in fall 2007. The hockey programs develop personal skills to the highest level and create immediate contenders that bring championships to UOIT's campus.
Remember that when you visit UOIT you enter Ridgebacks territory - proceed with caution and enter at your own risk. Go Ridgebacks.
UOIT's varsity hockey teams play at one of the premier ice facilities in Ontario. The $15-million Campus Ice Centre (CIC) features two twin-pad NHL-sized rinks with a seating capacity of 550, with additional standing room for 200 on the main pad and 250 on the secondary pad. The facility is home to NHL-style varsity dressing rooms with first-class amenities. In addition, it houses Shagwells on the Ridge, a restaurant with delicious food, spacious seating and great atmosphere for fans to watch the Ridgebacks in action.
The Ridgebacks will look to head coach Marlin Muylaert who has extensive experience in the OUA hockey program, having coached the Guelph University Gryphon's for 11 years, and was recently inducted into the Gryphon's Hall of Fame.
Among his other outstanding qualifications he was the head coach at the University of Wisconsin at Eauclaire (1999-2002), he has earned 8 OUA division titles and 2 OUA Ontario Championships while at Guelph University, was CIS National Champion (1987) and nationally ranked 10 years in a row at Guelph University and was also named OUA Coach of the Year in 1997
YORK LIONS
2006: 2nd in mid west division (13-10-3-2)
2007: Open at home versus RMC, October 5 @ 7:30 pm
After playing six overtimes in a 2-0, best-of-three, opening-round playoff loss against the Lakehead Thunderwolves last season, the York Lions certainly know what it takes to play emotional playoff hockey. With 18 players returning from last season, the Lions are determined to make a deeper playoff run this time around. Key returnees include Matt Passfield, named the captain in his fifth and final season, 2006-07 OUA all-rookie team member Jesse Grespan and second-team all-star Tyler Harrison, younger brother of one-time Maple Leaf Jay Harrison.
A rookie class filled with solid prospects should bolster the roster. To replace second-team all-star goaltender Kevin Druce, the Lions have brought in OHL veteran DiRienzo, who finished his junior career with the tier II Vaughan Vipers last season. DiRienzo joins two fellow Vipers grads on the Lions - defenceman Trevor Waddell and forward Nathaniel Brooks. Other top junior grads include westerners Ryan Hyland and Jeff Matheson and two-time Royal Bank Cup winning forward Doug Henderson of the Aurora Tigers.
(With files from Sports Information Directors in the west division)
- OUA -
Michelle Church
Communications & Media Relations Coordinator
Ontario University Athletics
Tel: (905) 540-5156
Fax: (905) 574-2840
E-mail: michelle.church@oua.ca
Web: www.oua.ca
