Junior hockey season is right around the corner

The local hockey season begins Friday night as the Trenton Golden Hawks and Wellington Dukes open their Ontario Junior Hockey League seasons on home ice.

Both teams will not only have new faces in the lineup, they’ll also have new faces behind the bench.

After four seasons as coach of the Dukes, Belleville native Derek Smith moves to the rival Trenton Golden Hawks as coach and general manager.

Smith offers his assessment of this year’s Golden Hawks.

Trenton opens the season against the Cobourg Cougars at the Dunc McDonald Memorial Gardens Friday night at 7:30.

Replacing Smith in Wellington is Kent Lewis, a 20-year coaching veteran in the British Columbia Hockey League.  Lewis will also carry the title of Director of Hockey Operations.

He is one of two coaches to have captured seven conference championships in BCHL history.

The Dukes host the Toronto Junior Canadiens in their season opener at Lehigh Arena Friday at 7:30.

April 1, 2024, will officially mark 100 years for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The RCAF, the Town of Trenton (former), the City of Quinte West, and the entire Bay of Quinte region, have been partners for decades.

For the 2023-24 hockey season, the Trenton Golden Hawks Jr. A Hockey Club will be honouring the Golden Hawks, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the military history of Trenton/Quinte West.

The team will wear blue and white jerseys, pant shells and socks for the season.

“We could not be prouder,” says Head Coach/General Manager Derek Smith.  “Growing up in this region, I can remember seeing planes landing and taking off, and military members training.  It is something I never take for granted.  It is always a thrill seeing our new players looking up to the sky.  They see the size of the Globemaster, or the noise of a fighter jet or the beauty of a Snowbird, coming in for a landing right over the rink.  It is incredible.”

Following the season, the white jerseys will be auctioned off, raising funds for Soldier On, an organization committed to supporting veterans and active members.  They work to help members adapt and overcome permanent health issues, both physical and mental.