Admirals' prospect camp looks to build on season's success

The Amherstburg Admirals held their spring camp at the Libro Centre in late April.

Looking to build upon last year’s success, the Amherstburg Admirals hosted their annual spring training camp at the Libro Centre recently.

Coming on the heels of a much-improved season in which they finished tied for fourth in the West Stobbs Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (Jr. C), the Admirals continue to search for the right combinations.

“Here at our spring camp, it’s a little early and guys are still figuring out what to do. Some AAA guys played late so they aren’t looking at camps yet,” said general manager Andrew Sykes.

Last year the Admirals were 20-19-1-0 with three overtime wins coupled with a pair of shootout loses that got them to 43 points which was 20 more than the previous campaign. Amherstburg eliminated the Wheatley Sharks in seven games in the post-season.

A big reason for the improvement was the addition of veterans Darby Drouillard who was the captain, assistant captain Jack Bulmer and Ryan Clark who all patrolled the blueline. They, along with forward/defenseman Jadyn Brown have graduated.

“It’s a little different now,” said Sykes, looking back on where the team was a year ago, “we’ve got a ton of returning forwards and now we have to get a few defense.”

Expected back for the blue-and-white on the back end are veterans Jake Goudreault and Declan McGrath along with last year’s rookies Cooper Bulmer and Freddie McCoy. The Admirals are pretty set in goal as Russell Vaughan (3.43 GAA) and Dominic DeZorzi, (3.64 GAA) are expected back.

Amherstburg shored up its defense last year as it gave up just 154 goals during the 42-game regular season schedule, compared to 219 the previous year.

“There are good goalies out there, but those guys are going to have to play really well for us to make a move. They have to play well to force our hand,” said Sykes.

Up front, several potential returnees stretched their legs at the prospect camp including Finn Russett, Dallas Kelly, Cole Vaillancourt, Cory Leach and Brady Drouillard.

Last year’s top offensive line of Brett Jones (14-27-41), Drew Booker 14-25-39) and freshman standout Rory Sandison (17-14-31) are all expected back in the fall.

“At our exit interviews, all those eligible to return said they would be back,” noted Sykes.

Last week’s camp was fast-paced and hard-hitting as the prospects, including several from the Amherstburg minor hockey ranks, looked promising.

SLAPSHOTS: Zack Gervais returns as the head coach and will be joined behind the bench by assistant Justin Toth. AJ Ryan is not back and so the Admirals will soon be announcing a new assistant coach.

Admirals' prospect camp looks to build on season’s success

By Fred Groves