OHL Kingston Frontenacs

Training Camp 5 Things to Watch

August 31, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kingston Frontenacs News Release


537 days have passed since the Kingston Frontenacs last played a game. After a long layoff from hockey for Fronts fans, there's a new sense of energy in the air. The boys in Black & Gold are back and there's a lot to be excited about heading into 2021 Training Camp.

17 Months of Growth

The last time the Kingston Frontenacs played a meaningful game, the team's core was young and tasked with gaining experience. Although this year's team will have plenty of new faces, the returning players are noticeably bigger, faster, and stronger. Led by reigning CHL and OHL Rookie of the Year, Shane Wright, the Frontenacs have a strong group of returning players hungry to compete. It will be interesting to see the growth they all bring to the ice at training camp.

Two Draft Classes

Each year it is exciting to see the latest draft picks step on the ice for the first time, but we have now seen two draft classes since the last game, the excitement has doubled. In addition to a strong 2021 draft that includes Matthew Soto, Mitchell Brooks, Quinton Burns, Mason Vaccari, Christoher Thibodeau and more, the 2020 draft class will also have the chance to shine for the first time in Kingston. Players like Paul Ludwinski, Thomas Budnick, Nathan Poole, Jackson Stewart, and Gage Heyes are all itching to get their OHL careers started. Throw in the U-18 picks of Connor Hunt, Landon Brownlee, and Paul Hughes and this summer's training camp is shaping up to be one the most competitive camps in franchise history.

Leaders of the Pack

Having two draft classes ensures a lot of young talent, but there are plenty of returning players to contribute to leadership roles this season. 2019-20 assistant captains, Shane Wright and Jake Murray will both be back for the upcoming season. They will be joined at camp by veterans Jordan Frasca, Lucas Peric, Maddox Callens, Braden Haché, Francesco Arcuri, and Ethan Ritchie to help guide the way for the younger players. Their veteran presence will be an essential part of the teams success this season.

Defending the Crease

Goaltending depth is something every competitive hockey team strives for, and the Frontenacs find themselves in great shape between the pipes. The team has received a commitment from Ottawa Senators prospect Leevi Meriläinen for the upcoming season. He won't be available during training camp, but the crease will be in good shape in his absence. Ryan Dugas, Aidan Spooner, and Mason Vaccari all enter camp as signed goaltenders and will be joined by prospects James Norton, Noah Beaulne, and Richard Szajek as well as free agent invite Gage Stewart.

Luca Caputi's Head Coaching Debut

Luca Caputi received a surprise, but well-deserved promotion this summer when Paul McFarland was hired by the Seattle Kraken. Although the "Head Coach" title may be new to him, the OHL certainly is not. He has five seasons of experience as an assistant/associate coach with the Guelph Storm and the Kingston Frontenacs. That includes the 2019-20 season in Kingston where he worked with many of the returning players for this upcoming season. Luca has been preparing with the players over conference and video chats during the shutdown and is ready to get the season started in his new role.

Check out the Kingston Frontenacs Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from August 31, 2021


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