Jay Ritchie Signs With The Lambeth Lancers
Jay Ritchie with the Lambton Shores Predators in 2014 – Photo by Dan Hickling, @DanHickling
Ritchie, who will be attending Fanshawe College in London, is the second area player, following Tilbury’s Eric Rivard, to sign with the Junior C Lancers, who were the SOJHL’s regular season champion last season, and playoff runner-up.
“I chose to play in Lambeth because it was the most mature decision heading into my future,” said Ritchie. “As I’m attending school I won’t have the time I once did to play at a higher level. Lambeth and their staff are very accommodating and share my goal to win. This season I hope to continue the team’s high reputation for being a hard team to play against, and ultimately win our division.”
Last season, Ritchie was sixth among scorers for the Lambton Shores Predators Junior B team, of the GOJHL. Ritchie had 10 goals and added 16 assists for 26 points in 42 regular season games.
The Lancers expect Ritchie to make an instant impact.
“Jay will be an immediate impact player for us,” says Chris Yandt, Lambeth’s Director of Hockey Operations. “He brings a little of everything in his game with his skill package, size, speed, hockey sense, and leadership ability. He has shown improvement in his game every year since he stepped into junior and we are excited to see him in a Lancer uniform while he focuses on his future at Fanshawe College for the next 3 years.”
Ritchie, who stands six-foot-four, was acquired by Lambton Shores last season from the Chatham Maroons, where Ritchie scored one goal and four assists in 2012-2013 as a rookie.
The Lambeth Lancers were the SOJHL’s regular season champions, and playoff runner up last season.