from Josh Howald
Capitals open season Sunday
The Walkerton Capitals will kick off its second season in the WOAA Senior A hockey league Sunday afternoon at home.
The new-look Caps will face Ripley in the teams home opener at 2:30 p.m.
Walkerton has 17 returning players and seven new faces in the line-up.
Up front, Walkerton natives Bill Keuneman and Trevor Harper have both signed with the team. Harper played for the Walkerton Hawks, racking up 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points last season. Meanwhile, Keuneman played juvenile last year and has OHL experience with the Sudbury Wolves. Teeswaters Andy Cline, who was among the Western Junior C Leagues top-10 scorers last season with 23 goals and 24 assists in 36 games, has also joined the club. Hanovers Cody Shewfelt has signed with the Capitals, as has former Guelph Gryphon Darrell Cowen of Owen Sound.
Returning forwards include Walkertons Pat MacDonald, Josh Wilhelm, Jason Zister, Shawn Begg, Brandon Fraser, Joe Anness and Darcy Weiler, Mildmays Dave Zagarodny, Dieter Weltz of Hanover, Brady Barfoot of Owen Sound and Kincardines Josh Howald.
Hanovers Justin Hopkins and Dave Churchill are the new additions to the blue line. Hopkins spent parts of last season with the Wingham Ironmen, while Churchill suited up for the now defunct Nottawasaga River Rats.
Returning on the blue line are Walkertons Rory Chappelle, Mildmays Stu McIntosh, Joe Kraemer and Dave McIntosh, as well as Jeff Barfoot from Port Elgin.
Goaltender Adam Clark is back between the pipes, joined by newcomer Matt Rehorst of Teeswater.
Keith Hopkins is back behind the Walkerton bench as head coach, joined once again by Rick Schuler. Trevor Ball and Matt Kueneman are again acting as co-general managers.
The Capitals play a 20-game season in the WOAA North against teams from Durham, Saugeen Shores, Ripley, Elora, Lucknow, Shelburne, Shallow Lake, Palmerston and Drayton.
Click the audio icon for an interview with Walkerton Capitals President Charlie Cleland