The Woodstock Navy Vets continued to introduce new pieces to their young lineup Friday night in a hard-fought 4-2 loss to the LaSalle Vipers at Reeves Community Complex.
It was a competitive game throughout, highlighted by a memorable junior hockey debut for 2010-born defenceman Sebastien Fortin and the Navy Vets debuts of three recently acquired forwards.
With little time to dwell on Friday’s result, the Vets are right back at Reeves tonight to host the Listowel Cyclones as part of Minor Hockey Night in Anchortown.
Fortin Scores Twice in Junior Debut
Fortin made an immediate impact in his first junior hockey game, scoring both Woodstock goals from the blue line.
The highly regarded 2010-born Woodstock defenceman showed his ability to contribute offensively from the back end, finding the net twice in an impressive debut.
While the Vets were unable to complete the comeback, the group battled throughout against a LaSalle team that entered the night with strong special teams and plenty of offensive ability.
Ian Kubelka made the start in the Woodstock net and turned aside 24 of the 28 shots he faced.
Three More Make Navy Vets Debuts
Friday also marked the first appearance in a Navy Vets uniform for forwards Jacob Scarpelli, Maddyx Chaput and Hudsyn Chaput.
All three 2009-born forwards were added to the roster this week as the organization looked to strengthen its young core.
Scarpelli joined Woodstock after being acquired from the Fort Erie Meteors, while the Chaput twins were acquired from the St. Marys Lincolns.
The three additions bring more skill and offensive upside to a young Vets lineup as the group continues to develop and come together early in the season.
Friday provided the first opportunity to get them into game action with their new teammates.
The Process Continues
Although the result wasn’t what the Vets were looking for, Friday represented another step forward for a group that continues to evolve.
With several young players taking on significant roles and new additions being integrated into the lineup, the focus remains on competing, learning and continuing to improve.
There will be challenges along the way, but the objective remains the same: keep building.
Minor Hockey Night Tonight at Reeves
There won’t be much time between games.
The Navy Vets return to the Reeves Community Complex tonight to host the Listowel Cyclones in the second half of the weekend home doubleheader.
Tonight is also Minor Hockey Night, presented by Crabby Joe’s Tap & Grill – Woodstock.
All minor hockey players 16 and under will receive free admission when they arrive wearing their team jersey or teamwear.
🏒 Woodstock Navy Vets vs. Listowel Cyclones
📍 Reeves Community Complex
⏰ 7:45 PM puck drop
It’s an opportunity to welcome the next generation of local hockey players to Reeves for a Saturday night in Anchortown.
After a tight battle Friday, the Vets will look to get right back to work tonight against Listowel
