Year in Review: June 2016

High school sports came to a close, and the summer season began. June always marks a season of change for sports in Chatham-Kent, and with change comes big stories. Here’s a look at the top sports news stories from across Chatham-Kent in June 2016.

Locals Medal at OFSAA Track and Field – Four locals, highlights by Carolyn Prins’ OFSAA gold in triple jump, took home medals at OFSAA. Other medallists included Alison Stephens, Erin Young, and Morgan Desjardins.

Jackson, Evans Win Jack Parry – In what is always a special night for Chatham-Kent sports, JMSS athletes Ashley Jackson and Kelton Evans were named the 2016 Dr. Jack Parry Award winners as Chatham-Kent’s top high school student-athletes.

Van Rycheghem Selected in MLB Draft – Kent Bridge’s Luke Van Rycheghhem was selected in the 2016 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 6’3″ catcher was picked in the Major League Baseball draft in the 23rd round, 689th overall. Van Rycheghem, a 1998 birth year, had been playing for the Ontario Blue Jays, and spent time the past two years with Canada’s National Junior Team. Van Rycheghem would later decide to forgoe his commitment to play NCAA baseball at Stetson University and turn pro.

Carleton Wears Maple Leaf Again – Chatham’s Bridget Carleton was one of thirteen players named to Canada’s 2016 Women’s National Development Team. Carleton competed with the team on a European tour after starring in her freshman NCAA season with Iowa State.

No Locals Selected In NHL Draft – NHL teams passed on local hockey prospects including James McEwan and Joseph Raaymakers, who were both rated by Central Scouting heading into the 2016 draft. Raaymakers would later get an invite to skate with the New York Rangers, while McEwan would spend time with the Pittsburgh Penguins.