The University of Windsor men's hockey team is ready to hit the ice for another great season, highlighted by the returns of the reigning OUA West Goalie of the Year, the Gino Fracas and OUA West Coach of the Year, and the OUA West Rookie of the Year.
These Lancers also won another OUA West Division title last season with an 18-7-3 (W-L-T) record before falling to UQTR in the Queen's Cup and securing fourth at the University Cup.
"Last year has only made us more determined," said head coach Kevin Hamlin. "We have 19 returning players, so nothing will take this group by surprise, and I'm excited for what we have the potential of doing."
NOTABLE RETURNING PLAYERS
Logan Linklater
The club's leading scorer last year with 32 points in 28 games, the third-year centre succeeds Matt McNamara as team captain and will be counted on heavily in all three zones to provide sound scoring, 200-ft play, and disciplined leadership.
"My message to him is to control the controllables and to be present for the players," explained Hamlin. "Logan is a great player for us, and the guys love him because he's easy to talk to."
Max Donoso
With a young, dynamic defensive core in front of him, the Aeronautics student is in prime position for a huge junior jump, earning OUA West Goalie of the Year honours last year with an 18-7-3 record, 2.22 GAA, .920 SV%, and three shutouts across 28 regular season games.
"I've known Max since he was eight years old, and he's a better goalie today than he was last year and even two years ago," said the veteran Lancer bench boss. "I still think there's another gear for him to find."
Colton Smith
A power forward who can score and be physical at the university level, the reigning OUA West Rookie of the Year scored 21 goals and eight assists across 27 regular season games last season. The son of Edmonton Oilers assistant coach D.J. Smith embodies the values his head coach wants in a hockey player, so look for him to have an even bigger impact in year two.
"When you think of our DNA, our guys buy in, play in dirty areas, block shots, and finish checks, so we're tough to play against," described Hamlin.
NEW PLAYERS
Connor MacPherson
A player with QMJHL and NCAA Division I experience, the highly touted freshman played 68 games for the Halifax Mooseheads last season thanks to his brilliant shot and scoring touch. The former Leamington Flyer and GOJHL champion headlines a hometown crop of more than a dozen student athletes.
"We have 13 local guys on this team, and that's incredible in this climate," said Hamlin. Matt and Jody have done a great job with their son."
Trent LeDrew
The incoming Odette School of Business student and right-shot defender had a standout playoff run with the Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL) last season, scoring ten points in 18 games after tallying 26 points during the regular season. The 6-foot-2 freshman is part of a young, emerging defensive core that will be asked to play a lot quickly.
Gavin Granger
Joining LeDrew as a freshman defenceman is incoming criminology student Gavin Granger. The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native and 6-foot-0 option recorded 37 assists in 51 games for the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) program last year. He and LeDrew will help fill the massive void left behind with the graduations of McNamara, Dylan Schives, and Stef Dobrich.
Goaltender Noah Nelson, forward Connor Paronuzzi, winger Luke Pfoh, and defenceman Gabe Runco round out the team's recruiting class this season.
2025-26 STAT LEADERS
Goals: Colton Smith - 21
Assists: Logan Linklater - 27
Points: Logan Linklater - 32
Wins: Max Donoso - 18
KEY MATCHUPS
October 9 vs Lakehead
The Lancers will play their first home opener and regular season game in 25 years at Adie Knox Arena right before Thanksgiving against a Thunderwolves team that has made the OUA playoffs five times in the past six seasons.
"We'll find out who we are right at the beginning, and I think it's a great schedule," said the 3x OUA West Coach of the Year.
October 17 vs Western
Across U SPORTS, it's very hard to find a more heated rivalry than the Lancers and Mustangs, especially since the drive from Windsor to London is less than two hours. On the ice, Windsor most recently won 8-7 in OT at Thompson Arena, highlighted by a hat trick from Smith and a four-point outburst by Schives.
November 7 vs TMU
With an OUA West division title and a 2-0 sweep in the playoffs, the Lancers got the best of the Toronto-based school in both worlds last season. The Bold are likely to have Marko Djordjevic, Chase Lefebvre, and Joseph Ianiello back in 2026, so revenge will be their No. 1 priority.
February 20 vs Waterloo
Highlighted by a five-game win streak between Jan. 7, 2023 and Nov. 8, 2024, these Lancers complete their regular season at home versus a Warriors side they have earned points against in 11 straight games. During their last win, Windsor scored seven goals on Waterloo, three of which came from recent graduate Keegan McMullen.
Tickets are available for purchase at golancers.ca/tickets, or you can watch online at oua.tv.
