Junior A GMHL Eying Expansion In Essex County

Junior A outside the OHL has not existed South of the Greater Toronto Area in decades. That all could be changing soon, as a group is looking at bringing a Junior A club to Kingsville.

Kingsville is in contention for an expansion franchise from the Independent Junior A loop known as the Greater Metro Hockey League

According to the Windsor Star, Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos has confirmed a group was in town looking at Kingsville as a potential destination. The Star also stated that GMHL president Bob Russell confirmed there is an ownership group interested in Kingsville.

Currently, the GMHL is currently concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area, however this season, expanded to include a franchise in Cambridge.

Kingsville last had a Junior C team two years ago, when the Kingsville Comets competed in the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League, before relocating to Amherstburg.

Several local hockey players, including Ridgetown’s Brennan Rainey, and former Wallaceburg Lakers players Jeff Nolfo and Bobby Domin have all played in the GMHL in recent seasons. Nolfo utilized his spot with the Seguin Huskies last season, to earn a roster spot playing University hockey with Northern Michigan. Previously, defenseman Bryan Boersma of Ridgetown was selected in the GMHL draft, but went on to play Junior B in Lambton Shores instead, and currently plays for the Blenheim Blades.