It may only be June, but the Amherstburg Admirals of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (Junior C) are already making some huge roster adjustments.
Recently announced, the team has signed a pair of goalies – Russell Vaughan and Jay Proctor.
The duo were teammates this past season at the A21 Under-18 squad and Admirals’ GM Andrew Sykes expects them to have an immediate impact.
“We had our spring camp and our top priority was to get stronger in net and on defense,” said Sykes.
Last year the locals compiled a 10-32-0-0 regular season record before bowing out in five games to the Blenheim Blades in the playoffs.
Amherstburg gave up 219 goals over the 42 season games which averages out to 5.21 GAA.
Vaughan is a Blenheim native and Proctor won’t have a long drive to the Libro Centre as he is from town. Both were under the tutelage of goalie coach Matt Anthony last year who holds a similar role with the Admirals.
The fact that Vaughan and Proctor were teammates last year is a huge bonus heading into the 2024-25 campaign.
“That was one of the things we were excited about. I’ve seen Vaughan play before.”
Sykes added that having played together they are competitive and will push each other to improve.
On the blueline, the Admirals give up a lot of experience as captain Derek Berdusco and steady veteran Jaxon Boucher were overagers last year.
Signing on is Essex native Freddie McCroy who was with the Windsor Junior Spitfires U18 AAA and Sykes says he will be a welcome addition on the back end.
“He’s very talented and could play Junior ‘B’. Getting him in through the doors was very encouraging.”
Up front Jacob Archer who led the team in scoring with 35 points and was named the MVP graduates along with two-time team leading scorer Mitch Demelo. Local prospect Logan Price could be a reliable centre. Just signed, he suited up for the minor hockey Stars U18 team.
“We’ve watched him play for the Amherstburg Stars. He’s not someone who is going to score a lot of points but he is reliable and we know what he is going to bring us,” said Sykes.
Not returning to the fall lineup will be Charlie Coristine (4-10-14), who Sykes says is moving away and will probably suit up for Little Britain Merchants of the East Orr division. Dallas Kelly (4-11-15) has signed with the Strathroy Junior ‘B’ Rockets.
As far as who will be back wearing the Blue and White when the puck drops in September, Sykes says, “I’ve talked to a few of the guys we want to bring back. There will probably be seven forwards and five defense returning.”
SLAPSHOTS…Look for the Admirals at Toddy Jones Park at this year’s Canada Day festivities and just a reminder that the golf tournament is Aug. 9 at Coachwood Golf Club.
Admirals sign four, including two new netminders
By Fred Groves
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