The University of Windsor Lancers men’s hockey team is preparing to welcome a new cohort of talented players for the upcoming 2024-25 OUA season. What distinguishes this recruiting class is the presence of five local players, with four of them having previously played together on the Windsor Jr. Spitfires Zone AAA team before embarking on their junior hockey careers.
Among these local talents is Alex Cunningham, a six-foot-two, 190-pound forward, who has expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect of reuniting with his former teammates at the university level. Joining Cunningham are Max Donoso, Cayden Faust, son of Lancers’ head coach Kevin Hamlin, and Kyle Metson, all of whom have honed their skills in the local hockey scene before progressing to the university level. Additionally, the recruiting class includes forwards Kirk Mullen, Ty Hilbig, Logan Linklater, and Salvatore Collora.
For many of these players, the journey back to Windsor has been lengthy and fulfilling. Max Donoso, a 20-year-old goalie, garnered experience in various leagues before concluding his junior career with the Windsor Spitfires, expressing his eagerness to join a team with a significant history of success. Similarly, Alex Cunningham and Cayden Faust have both gained experience playing junior hockey in different regions of the country before returning to their hometown.
The camaraderie among these players runs deep, with some of them having played together since their days in minor hockey. Their shared experiences and the opportunity to represent their local university have evoked a sense of pride and excitement as they embark on the next chapter of their hockey careers.
The head coach of the Lancers, Kevin Hamlin, has praised the efforts that went into assembling this talented group of players and looks forward to the upcoming season with optimism. With the addition of skilled and physically imposing players, the team is poised for an exhilarating season of Lancer hockey.
This recruitment not only showcases the talent within the local hockey community, but also underscores the robust local foundation that the Windsor Lancers have established over the years. With a notable representation of local players in the team’s roster, there is a palpable sense of pride and anticipation as they prepare to represent their university on the ice.
As these young athletes coalesce to form the core of the Lancers’ roster, the stage is set for an enthralling season filled with anticipation, camaraderie, and the promise of an unforgettable journey both on and off the ice.