The Woodstock Navy Vets are pleased to continue the organization’s “Welcome to Anchortown” series with the signing of forward Xander Zanier for the 2026-27 season.
A 2009-born forward from Essex, Ontario, Zanier joins the Navy Vets after an impressive rookie season with the Wheatley Sharks of the PJHL. As a 16-year-old competing against older players, Xander recorded 10 goals and 14 assists in 38 regular season games while continuing to establish himself as a hard-working, reliable forward with offensive ability.
Prior to making the jump to junior hockey, Zanier played for the Windsor Jr. Spitfires AAA program. During the 2024-25 season, he recorded 27 points in 30 games, demonstrating the offensive skill that has continued to translate at the junior level.
“Xander is a player we’re very excited to add to our group,” said Darren Young, General Manager of the Woodstock Navy Vets. “He plays a hard-nosed style of game, competes every shift, and has shown he can produce offensively. To step into junior hockey as a 16-year-old and have the season he did speaks to the type of player and person he is.”
Zanier’s willingness to battle in all areas of the ice, combined with his ability to create offence, makes him the type of forward who can impact the game in a variety of ways. His strong rookie campaign provides an exciting foundation as he continues his development.
The Woodstock Navy Vets are excited to welcome Xander and his family to Anchortown and look forward to seeing him continue his hockey journey in a Navy Vets uniform.
