The Clinton Radars expect a lot of company at or near the top of the standings, when they go for their third WOAA Senior AA hockey championship in a row this season.
A much-hyped pre-season game against the legendary Whitby Dunlops this weekend will be a good pre-season test for the Radars, who have re-tooled for the coming campaign.
Head coach Jim Fritzley returns behind the bench after a year away, and says the Radars have recruited several players who will help deal with powerful opponents like Saugeen Shores and Petrolia.
Fritzley says two former Western Michigan Broncos who also played professionally in Europe — Max Campbell and Nathan Ansell — are among the new additions.
Former London Knights’ captain Stephen Sanza and East Coast Hockey League veteran Kyle Flemington will also be in the Radars’ lineup this season.
Fritzley predicts Clinton’s most formidable weapon on the ice this season will be their speed.
He advises fans to watch for the defencemen to clear their zone quickly, so the forwards can set up in the offensive zone in minimum time.
Fritzley expects Saugeen Shores and Petrolia to be the Radars’ most skilled rivals agains this season, and mentions Tillsonburg as a team that’s looking to get into the mix.
The Radars host the Whitby Dunlops in pre-season play at Eastlink Arena Saturday at 7:30pm.
Clinton’s regular season starts at home against Petrolia on Friday, October 13th.
