Schinkelshoek Named President Of Kingsville Kings
Devin Darrah, seen here with the GOJHL’s Pelham Pirates, was the first player officially signed by the GMHL’s new Kingsville Kings Junior A hockey team – Photo by Dan Hickling/ Hickling Images
The Kingsville Kings, who already have a handful of players signed for next season, are the GMHL’s most Southern franchise, although the league now also has teams in Southwestern Ontario towns including London, Komoka, Simcoe, and Cambridge.
“They’re going to bring a top team down here to showcase the GMHL to Sothwestern Ontario,” said Schinkelshoek about Kingsville’s ownership group, who also owns the Seguin Huskies, who were in the GMHL final this season. “They want this to become the showcase of the league, and the league also wants that, to continue to expand into Southwestern Ontario.”
Schinkelshoek, who lived in Chatham for more than 50 years, previously worked with the Chatham Senior ‘A’ Maroons, and Tilbury’s Junior C organization, and more recently has served as the president of the Kingsville Comets, before the team moved to Amherstburg, where he continued to work with the Admirals.
According to Schinkelshoek, he sees great benefits to the local hockey community, including athletes who hope to pursue hockey at the University level.
“I think that it gives the kids another opportunity,” said Schinkelshoek about the GMHL relocating to Southwestern Ontario. “It depends what kids want out of hockey. Do they have aspirations to make the NHL, or do they want an education? If you want an education, the GMHL is the way to go.”
With many teams moving a handful of players each season to the NCAA, ACHA, NAIA, or other University loops, Schinkelshoek believes that the GMHL, and their commitment to education, make the league the best available option for players hoping to follow that path.
“The league has been very successful promoting education and university hockey, and that’s what they’re all about. That’s their main goal.”
As for the town of Kingsville, Schinkelshoek says the community is excited to have Junior hockey back, and to welcome the many players from across Ontario and Michigan who will be calling the town home next winter.
“I find it very exciting, especially for Kingsville,” says Schinkelshoek. “There’s a lot of excitement around town, they just can’t wait to get started.”
The Kingsville Kings will host a camp this coming May for prospective players, before participating in a pre-draft tournament in Michigan.