Game Notes: Kingston vs Niagara – Sept 29/24
It’s our first Sunday Funday of the new season and your Kingston Frontenacs are playing host to the Niagara IceDogs.
The Frontenacs sit a 1-1 on the 24/25 season so far with a victory over the Peterborough Petes and a defeat at the hands of the Oshawa Generals. They’ll look to get back on track against a new look IceDogs squad. A young and hungry team is always dangerous to play against, so let’s take a look at today’s Game Notes to get you prepared for this afternoon’s action.
Niagara’s Young Stars
Keep an eye on the IceDogs young talent in this one. After a couple down years in Niagara, there seems to finally be some hope on the horizon with an influx of young talent and future NHL players in their lineup this year. Last year’s second overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection, Ryan Roobroeck is a highly touted NHL Prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft who is already a lethal goal scorer at just 17 years old.
Joining Roobroeck is this year’s fourth overall pick, Brady Wassilyn, Winnipeg Jets fourth round pick Kevin He, and offseason acquisition Jack Brauti. Keep an eye on this young core to try and make an impact on this afternoon’s contest.
The Instant Impact from the Imports
Kingston welcomed two new import players to their roster over the summer, as forward Tuomas Uronen came over via a trade with the Ottawa 67’s and defenceman Emil Pieniniemi signed with the team after spending last season in Finland. Both natives of Finland, the two have already made an impact with their new squad. Pieniniemi has three assists while Uronen has two assists; and both have been big additions to the powerplay unit as well. The two best friends from Finland are looking to keep up that momentum today against the IceDogs.
The Battle for the Crease
Head Coach Troy Mann has openly said for these three game weekends that our two netminders will split the first two games, then a decision will be made for the third. After Mason Vaccari won the season opener in Peterborough, the Fronts will go to him today as he’ll get the start between the pipes this afternoon.
“Both guys are playing well so that’s what you want. If both guys are paying well, to me that’s just a friendly competition. We’ll go with Mason today and then we’ll reevaluate next week”, said Mann.
Sunday, September 29th vs Niagara – 2:00PM
The Frontenacs will close out Opening Week with our first Sunday Funday of the season. Much like last year, our Sunday Funday events will feature inflatables, face painters and balloon artists; making this a great afternoon for the entire family! The Frontenacs split the season series with the Niagara IceDogs last season, with each team winning two games a piece. The Frontenacs have higher expectations this season, and so do the IceDogs as they look to take the next step in their rebuild.
Much like last year, our Sunday Funday events will feature inflatables, face painters and balloon artists; making this a great afternoon for the entire family! This Sunday we will also be honouring goaltender Mason Vaccari for his CHL & OHL Humanitarian of the Year Awards that he won over the summer thanks to his fundraising efforts through ‘Mason’s Miracles’. Vaccari was able to raise $13,200+ for the Pediatric Wing at Kingston General Hospital at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, and we are proud to celebrate his accomplishments prior to puck drop this Sunday.
Get your tickets HERE!
