The narrative for the 2019/2020 Greyhounds season will be focused around how the team can cope with a number of important departures over the course of the off-season.

With the likes of Morgan Frost, Jordan Sambrook, and Matt Vilalta graduating from the OHL club, the team is now in the midst of finding players to fill those holes.

While the likes of Jaromir Pytlik, Ryan O’Rourke, and Cole MacKay all having breakout campaigns in the previous season, this season comes with a different perspective for two of the other current Hounds.

Jacob Holmes was the first round draft pick of the Hounds in this year’s OHL draft, and when asked if this is the most excited he’s been for an upcoming season of hockey, he answered “Absolutely” with a smile. “It’s a big step for me and I feel that I’ve been working hard to be here”.

The Aliston, ON native is the newest member of the Hounds blueline, and at just 16 stands an impressive 6’1’’, the same height as the average NHL player.

When asked who he models his game around. “Aaron Ekblad. I love the way he jumps into the rush after moving the puck while being able to shoot hard, something I think I can do too”.

Sault fans will have plenty of time to see the big defenceman develop, but will not have much longer to watch Jaden Peca who was acquired last year for the team’s playoff push. He posted an impressive 13 points in 10 playoff games for the Hounds.

“I want to be leader for the younger guys this year,” says the overage Peca who is still in search of an elusive NHL contract.

“It’s in the back of my mind, but I just want to leave it all on the ice. Everyone’s goal in the OHL is to leave with a contract and to know where you’re playing next, but all I can focus on is the now”. Peca will come into the season as the team’s oldest player, with a 1999 birth year.

The annual Luke Williams Memorial Red and White Game takes place Friday, August 30th at 7 p.m., with a price of admission set at $9.25. This will be the final showcase for the Hounds hopefuls to impress the brass before pre season.

The regular season begins September 20th against the Flint Firebirds, at the GFL Memorial Gardens.