
Friday’s 5-1 loss to the North Bay Battalion spelled the end of the Kingston Frontenacs’ 2023-24 season and brief playoff run, improving upon their previous season where they missed the playoffs altogether.
The Frontenacs were able to secure one win against the Central division leading Battalion, but ultimately just couldn’t hold off their offence – an issue that’s been prevalent all year and the team knows needs addressing.
It’s a disappointing season for the Frontenacs overall, after falling short on a bid to host the Memorial Cup the team had an up and down season, and although it didn’t end the way anyone wanted, Manager Kory Cooper said there’s a lot to build on for next year with this young team.
“When we are able to reflect on the overall year, there will be positives we can take from the season such as the development of our players and the foundational structure our coaching staff were able to implement,” Cooper said.
“This helps set the table for next year.”
The Frontenacs saw growth in young players like Jacob Battaglia and Christopher Thibodeau, who should be foundational players for the team next season.
They will say goodbye to overagers Jacob Holmes, Roman Schmidt, and Jax Dubois, and could see leading scorer Paul Ludwinski graduate to professional hockey – leaving big shoes for younger players to fill.
Cooper says from an analytic perspective, the team improved throughout the year and has a lot to build on with many talented young players coming back, but there is work still to be done.
“We will sit together as a staff and evaluate each player and area of our team and what changes need to be made for us to take the next step,” Cooper said.
“We have a strong foundation of returning players available for next season, which is great. Winning matters to us and we are going to focus on what needs to be done for that to happen.”
Kingston has a chance to add more foundational pieces to their roster this Friday Saturday, as the team is poised to make 15 selections during the weekend OHL draft, including the 8th overall pick.
Rounds 1-3 of the draft will take place on Friday, April 12 starting at 7 PM.