Our team has the core, now can they?

         The Lions have held initial skates at Cornwall’s Benson Centre, and have more intensive workouts pending. The team’s returning group of try-outs does include popular netminder Carson Turner and Aiden Hutt, forwards Justin Cyr, Josh Broad, James Martens, and Benny Lapier among others. Kayne McCadden, the Fetterly boys and Alec Larocque are seeking spots on the defensive unit and a number of names and talents continue to be discussed around rinks further afield.

          General Manager Casselman, in handing the Head Coaching duties to Jamie Smith, crowned a life-long South Dundas and Morrisburg Lion’s past player. Smith spent three seasons with the Junior Lions as an affiliate player before turning to coaching. He has accumulated some 23-years behind benches, guiding players through their initial season of hockey and on to graduating to and from the Junior team. Over the past few years he's been working with the Morrisburg Junior team while retaining coaching duties in the South Dundas Minor Hockey Association.

          To no one’s surprise Smith easily recognized in local hockey circles. And fastball circles.  Like his parents, Ted and Connie, who were the stars of considerable fan appeal in fastball and hockey circles in their own day, the younger Smith is keen on his community. Jamie’s elder brother Jason played in the South Dundas Minor group, served with the Junior Lions and enjoyed a considerable fastball career. Younger sibling Jeremy too played hockey through his years with the South Dundas Minor Hockey Association.

          “I managed to win a League Championship at every level except as a Novice Coach,” Smith laughed, while reminiscing the numbers of players and fellow coaches he has served with over the years.

“We not only scored championships, we were there in every game in my opinion.”

         Smith's League Championships culminated in the 2016 season when he coached the South Dundas Major Midget Rep Lions to the Upper Canada Minor Hockey League Championship over a determined Brockville Braves entry. These Lions included an ensemble of local talent that kept an arena crowd on the edge of their seats throughout the season. Fast, hard  hitting, and willing combatants who played hell bent to secure the top prize. Throughout the season the brightest light in the rink was the smile right under Smith's nose!

        His team closed the regular season with a 26-wins, 4-losses and 3-ties! And Jamie Smith headed a coaching staff that included Jim Bennis and Pierre Baril as Ass’t. Coaches, Steve Bradford as Trainer and Johanna Kronstal as the team’s Manager.

          “I remember the night we could have won that title at home,” Coach Smith said during a recent interview, “We had the Morrisburg Arena packed and we came up flat. The Braves went home with a 5-2 victory.”

          “We returned to  Brockville for the next game and their arena was full.” Smiths voice raises an octave or two as he recalls the excitement of the evening. He adds, “The problem for the home team Braves was that at least half of the fans were from Morrisburg and they didn’t stop cheering us on through the game.”

          “The place went wild when Cal Bilmer scored the winning goal.”

         As Coach Smith speaks a desire to coach a like-competitor becomes prominent. 

         “Did you think your Junior Lions could have won it all last season?”, he is asked.

        “I thought there was a chance had things been done a bit differently,” he answers, then shouldering his share of blame he adds, “Yes I believe we could have won it all. We burnt the players out.” 

        Smith says the Lions could have and should have made it to the final round against Gatineau-Hull through Vankleek Hill.

        “The Cougars were a strong team that took advantage of our mistakes and in turn took the series.” he admits. 

        “But that’s history now,” says Smith, “We’re looking at a very interesting season again this year with a good number of returnees, some good prospects for as many as six open sweaters and a colourful pipeline of names that have shown an interest in playing for the Lions.”

       The management group of this season's Lions team are banking on dressing returnees including sniper Ben Lapier, with both Owen and Hudson Fetterly and Kayne McCadden backing their defence. McCadden has been vocal concerning the opportunity to get a Junior Championship in his final year in the age group.

       Talented netminder Carson Turner is returning as the team’s full time puck-stopper with Aiden Hutt currently favoured to play back-up. Another noticeable talent, Colton Sage out of Long Sault, is an eye-catching netminder.

       “It’s great to talk about players and intentions,” Smith adds a little editing to the interview, “In the end our coaching staff is going to work with the players management provides us. We are thrilled that GM Kevin remains adamant about including names and faces we all know and that allows us a continued opportunity to coach locally. As everyone in the game understands, we have to work with our players to be in a winning head space and to bring that winning head space attitude to the rink for every game.”

       The Lions too have expanded their coaching staff for the 2024-25 season. Under Head Coach Smith are Assistant Coaches Connor Manderson; Goaltending Coach Ryan Cooper; and Defensive Coach Justin Shea. Chris Harrington will continue as the team Trainer.

        “We have to make the kids buy into what we’re doing and where we’re going. We’re intending to work with a team of players. A team on which those dressed are provided a fair share of ice time,” Smith says, adding, “Like any well coached team we’ll be building on team inclusiveness. We’re not interested in leaving players sit on the bench, especially when we’re holding a good lead. And we are going to be working intently on the undisciplined penalty habits that cost games.”

        Asked what he thought the coming regular season would bring local fans, Smith said, “I’ve wanted to coach this team for a long time and I believe this is our year. I don’t have my own kids here, and I still have my love for the game, that celebration to win. I’m looking forward to this season, to beat that 21-game-win record of this past season.”

        “My wife recently asked me how long I intended to keep coaching,” the Lions Head Coach admitted. 

        “I answered, I’m guessing the Lions will finish in the top three overall this season.” he said, grinning knowingly at the half-truth. 

        Then, more seriously, added, "I do believe we can take the league!"