Blenheim Blades Undergoing Makeover

Every year, Junior C teams struggle through the attrition of players graduating due to age, moving up to Junior B, and leaving for schools. This year, the Blenheim Blades will try to makeover their roster after a slew of players have moved on from the team.

Captain Taylor Phillips, who scored 24 points in 25 games last season with the Blades, and assistant captain Tyler Clarke, who topped the Blades’ scoring with 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points in 39 games, have both graduated due to overage.

On the blueline, the team will lose their 2012-2013 best defenseman, Owen Bateman, who will be attending college in Peterborough, as well as Jordan Durston who is attending school in Michigan, and Bowe Shepley, who has decided to step away from hockey.

The departure on the blueline leaves three overage defenders to anchor the Blenheim Blades’ defense, meaning next season, Blenheim will have no returning veterans on defense from the 2012-2013 season.

In net, Blenheim has decided to go a different direction, committing to former Chatham-Kent Cyclones goalie Eric Stewardson, meaning the team will have to decide to part ways with either long time veteran Dylan Vanderpol, or second year goalie Justin Pratt who performed well last season.

With only four available overage spots, and six candidates, the writing may be on the wall for Vanderpol, as he’ll compete with defenseman John McKillop, Matt Speed, and Dylan Bonner, and forwards Justin Rossignol and Zach Mailloux.

There will also be changes in the Blades management this season, as Wayne Cowell has moved on to an assistant coaching position with the Chatham Maroons. Bruce Clarke will fill the vacancy created in Cowell’s general managers position this season, while Bob Price will join the team as an assistant coach.

Blenheim, who opens their trainins camp next Monday, may also receive players assigned by their newly affiliated Chatham Maroons.