New Frontenacs try to make an impression at development camp

The two-day camp saw recent draft picks and last year's rookies take in practice and intra-squad game at the Invista Centre.

It was an opportunity for the newest Kingston Frontenacs to show coaches and management their stuff.

The OHL team held a two-day development camp at the Invista Centre Saturday and Sunday.

The camp included all the picks from this past OHL Priority Selection Draft and the U-18 Draft plus last year's rookies.

Head coach Troy Mann says players who were on the team last season were brought in to help welcome the newcomers.

Most if not all of the players in camp hadn't laced up the skates in months.

Mann says given that, he and the coaching staff kept the focus of the camp simple.

Mann offers some of his thoughts on some of the players that were selected in last week's OHL draft.

The Frontenacs were one of the youngest teams last season and it could get even younger with the departure of captain Vann Williamson. The 19-year-old defenseman opt-ed to join the Clarkson Golden Knights of the NCAA for the upcoming season.

Mann says the loss of Williamson was something that caught management off guard.

General manager Kory Cooper swung a pair of trades acquiring forward Ryan Chamberlain and defenseman Gavin Christie from Brantford prior to the draft.

The 2026-2027 OHL season begins Thurs Sept 17. The Frontenacs will be in action taking on the Petes in Peterborough.

The Frontenacs home opener is on Sun Sept 20 when they will host the Ottawa 67's at Slush Puppie Place.

Story by Ken Hashizume