Stratford Aces gearing up for another season

By: Michael Willoughby

Expectations are high for the Stratford Humphrey Fleet Service U18 AA Aces this season as the team got ready for the year ahead.

Aces head coach Sean Cameron was excited to reunite with the team after a brief summer and was pleased with what lay ahead as they completed camp on Sept. 2.

“I'm so excited. You know, on Sunday night, I sent a message out to the girls saying it's like Christmas Eve,” Cameron said.

“We're just so, so excited to get going. We've got a great team this year. We brought in some youth, and I'm really excited for what's ahead. We started training camp back on Monday, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday had some great, great speakers. We put a lot of work into it, and now we're ready to get going with our exhibition series this weekend in Scarborough.”

Last season, the U18 AA Aces posted an 8-10-4 record in the OWHL-Southern's Western Division and advanced to the OWHA Tier-II Southern Finals, ultimately losing to the Oakville Hornets. They also participated in the provincials, where they placed third in their preliminary group.

Stratford has 13 players returning from last season. Cameron says the team's goal is to finish in the top four of the Southern League and earn a spot at the 2027 OWHA Provincials.

“All of the expectations are extremely high. Our goal is to be in the top four in the standings and earn our way to provincials,” Cameron said.

“That's really important to us, and that's what we're focused on. We're focused on the top four. We realize we have to earn it, and we're going to do everything we can to prepare the girls. So when they step on the ice, they're ready to earn it.”

On Sept. 3, the Aces announced their leadership group for the upcoming season. Kylin Wilson was named team captain, while Meghan Graham, Brooklynn Ahrens, Joey Binning and Skylar Macey were named alternate captains.

The Aces began their preseason play at the Scarborough Sharks Labour Day Weekend Exhibition Classic, held Sept. 5 to 6.

In Group B, the Aces lost both games on Sept. 5, falling 2-1 to the Kingston Ice Wolves and 5-1 to Durham West Lightning. However, on Sept. 6, they bounced back with two wins, defeating the Scarborough Sharks 4-1 and the Oshawa Lady Generals 2-0.

Stratford finished second in the group with a 2-2 record. Kacey Leyten scored her first career goal at the U18 AA level, and goalie Leicia Baldwin earned her first shutout as an Ace.

Next up for the Aces is the Stoney Creek U18 AA Showcase, scheduled for Sept. 10 through Sept. 13 in Stoney Creek. The tournament comprises teams from across Canada and the United States.

Stratford will be part of the Carter Division during round robin play on Sept. 10 and 11, featuring the Markham-Stouffville Stars, Bishop Kearney Selects, Team Illinois 16U and Whitby Wolves. The playoff rounds are scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13.