Returning a host of talent and brining in an incredible recruiting class has the Lancers excited for the 2019-20 men's hockey season. Following a tough first round exit to the Gryphons last year, the Lancers are looking to take the next step.
 
"We've been a good team," explains head coach Kevin Hamlin. "It's time we became a great team."
 
Windsor returns eight players including captain Ben Assad and goaltender Johnathan Reinhart, who led all goalies in saves made last year with 822. John Wesley returns as the team's leading goal scorer and imposing defender Jack Van Boekel will be guarding the blue line again this year.
 
The blue and gold are also bolstering their ranks with a haul of notable newcomers. The Lancers aimed to address scoring and did just that. Forward Bryce Yetman joins the blue and gold from the OHL's Plymouth Whalers, while forward Mel Melconian, who is originally from Toronto, transferred from the NCAA's Sacred Heart University.
 
Tilbury's Nolan Gardiner also joins the team coming from the OHL's Ottawa 67's. Other OHL talent also includes the Oshawa General's and Windsor's own Anthony Salintri who scored 48 goals for the Generals. Tyler Johnson from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who will back up Reinhart in net.
 
"We are extremely optimistic to begin the 2019-20 hockey season. Our strong returning veterans combined with a great recruiting class gives us a reason to be pleased,"said Hamlin. "That said, the OUA west division is the most competitive conference in U SPORTS hockey so we understand the challenges ahead of us. It should be an exciting season!"
 
The influx of talent mixed with an experienced core certainly is an exciting combo but a seasoned coach like Hamlin says it best, "there are no guarantees in this league." The Lancers are not the only team that recruited well, nor are they the only team competing. So, the Lancers will attack this season trying to have their best regular season ever and try to turn that into something much, much bigger.
 
The journey officially gets underway when the Lancers go on the road to take on the Brock Badgers in St. Catharines on Friday October 4 at 7:30 pm, and can be watched LIVE at www.oua.tv.
 
Windsor opens the home portion of their schedule on Friday October 11th when they host McGill for a weekend doubleheader at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Centre. Puck drops at 7:30 pm.
 
Season tickets, as well as individual game tickets, for the blue and gold can be purchased at www.goLancers.ca/tickets.