Hope, Campbell Destined For Rematch?

Even though the Chatham Maroons are out of the GOJHL playoff picture, that doesn’t mean there aren’t several Chatham-Kent hockey players beginning their GOJHL playoff runs.

Blenheim’s Brady Campbell will begin his run with the Elmira Sugar Kings in defence of their Sutherland Cup title from last season. After dealing with some early season injuries, Campbell finished the regular season with 49 points in 44 games with the Sugar Kings.

Campbell, a former member of the Blenheim Blades, and his Elmira teammates will start the playoffs against the Listowel Cyclones. During last year’s run to an Ontario title, Campbell scored 28 points in 26 games. Following last year’s win, Campbell described his playoff inexperience, however this year, that won’t be a problem for the playmaker,

“I’ve never played in the playoffs at the junior level,” said Campbell following his team’s Sutherland Cup win, “It was an awesome experience, and to still be playing hockey into May is unbelievable. You couldn’t ask for anything more as far as what we did this season and how we were rewarded.”

Oddly enough, the Elmira Sugar Kings opponent in the Sutherland Cup final, was the St. Thomas Stars, who are captained by another Blenheim product, Brett Hope.

Hope finished the season with 44 points in 50 games, and also was named the GOJHL’s Western Conference top defensive forward at the league award banquet. Hope and his St. Thomas Stars teammates are facing the St. Mary’s Lincolns.

In game one of their seriers, St. Mary’s shutout the Stars 3-0.

Another local player, defenseman Bryan Boersma of Ridgetown, will play his first ever GOJHL playoff series starting Thursday as his Lambton Shores Predators take on the Sarnia Legionnaires. Boersma collected 5 assists in 32 games for the Predators.

Lambton Shores bench boss Mark Davis is a long time Wallaceburg Lakers coach, and their current roster also features five Wallaceburg Lakers alumni, as well as former Chatham-Kent Cyclones star Cody Trowell.

Wheatley product Kyle Bowman, who scored 28 points this season for the Leamington Flyers, will start his playoff season Thursday as well, as his Leamington Flyers welcome the Strathroy Rockets to town. Fellow Wheatley resident Kyle Quick, who had 13 points this season for the LaSalle Vipers, started his playoff season Wednesday night against the London Nationals.

Continue to follow CKSN.ca for updates on each of these Chatham-Kent hockey players.