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Frontenacs’ Aleks Kulemin and Matthew Henderson Named to Team Canada for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Spencer Loeb — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:12:33 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to congratulate Aleks Kulemin and Matthew Henderson on being named to Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place August 3rd-8th in Edmonton, AB.

Kulemin and Henderson both earned spots on Canada's final roster following Hockey Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team Selection Camp where the nation's top under-18 players competed for the opportunity to represent Canada.

The duo will proudly wear the Maple Leaf while competing against the world's top under-18 talent, adding to the Frontenacs' growing list of players representing their country on the international stage.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is recognized as one of the world's premier under-18 hockey tournaments and serves as an important stepping stone toward future NHL Drafts and international competition. Canada will once again enter the tournament among the favourites to capture gold on home ice.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Aleks and Matthew on this well-deserved accomplishment and wish them and Team Canada the very best throughout the tournament.

Sydney Merriam named to Hockey Canada National Women’s Development Team Staff

Spencer Loeb — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:21:37 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to congratulate Strength & Conditioning Coach Sydney Merriam on being named Strength & Conditioning Coach for Hockey Canada's National Women's Development Team as part of the organization's National Women's Program for the 2026-27 season.

Merriam joins an accomplished staff that will guide Canada's National Women's Development Team throughout the upcoming season, including training camps and international competition. The Development Team serves as the final step in Hockey Canada's women's high-performance pathway before athletes graduate to the National Women's Team and compete at events such as the IIHF Women's World Championship and the Olympic Winter Games.

Since joining the Kingston Frontenacs, Merriam has played an integral role in the development of the club's players, overseeing year-round strength and conditioning programs designed to maximize performance, recovery, and long-term athletic development. Her commitment to excellence and player care has made a lasting impact on the Frontenacs organization.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Sydney on this outstanding achievement and wish her the very best as she represents both the organization and Canada on the international stage.

OHL Summer Spotlight: Gavin Betts’ growth extends beyond the crease

Spencer Loeb — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 13:15:51 +0000

Sometimes, development isn't just measured by a single save or a stat line. For Kingston Frontenacs netminder Gavin Betts, his biggest strides came after overcoming adversity. With two solid goaltenders, the 2024 OHL Priority Selection second-round selection often found himself sharing the crease with partner Matthew Minchak. Down the stretch, however, it was Betts who became Kingston's go-to. After posting a 2.81 goals-against average and .905 save percentage, Betts helped steady the Frontenacs late in the season while continuing to establish himself as one of the league's promising young goaltenders in his first full season. But it wasn't always smooth sailing for the Toronto, ON native.

"I had a lot of fun this year, and I was really happy with the development I experienced throughout the season," Betts said. "In the first half, I was playing below the level that I knew I was capable of, and there was definitely frustration and adversity that came with that. But those challenges went hand in hand with the growth I experienced because I learned so much from them.

"Going into the second half, I felt like I was able to apply the things I had learned, and I was really happy with the progress I made, both on and off the ice." Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper was able to see that maturity firsthand. "I don't know if there was one particular moment where you could point to his growth," Cooper said. "He was definitely frustrated with himself over the first half of the season because he wasn't getting the results he believed he was capable of. What impressed me was that he stayed with it. He kept working every day, continued to grind and trusted the process. As the second half of the season went on, you could really see his game evolve." As a former OHL and professional goaltender himself, Cooper understood exactly what Betts was experiencing. "We had a lot of conversations throughout the season," Cooper said. "As a goalie, you're going to go through ups and downs, and those moments help build your character and your game. Gavin is a mature player, and he stayed the course the entire time." Sharing the crease with Minchak helped foster both a close friendship and a competitive environment that helped elevate each goaltender throughout the season. "Matthew was an incredible goalie partner throughout the year," Betts said. "As the season progressed, we became really close. We were roommates on the road, spent time together off the ice and built a great friendship.

"There was definitely internal competition between us, but we were able to separate that from our friendship. Off the ice, we supported each other, and on the ice, we pushed each other every day. Iron sharpens iron, and I think we brought the best out of each other."

Cooper agreed that the relationship and inner competition benefited both players. "They were genuinely happy for each other when one was playing well and getting results," he said. "At the same time, they're competitors. Both of them wanted the net. I definitely believe that internal competition helped both of them improve over the course of the season." Betts' strong finish earned him an invitation to the Tampa Bay Lightning Development Camp earlier this summer, giving him a firsthand look at the professional level. "The development camp was an awesome experience," Betts said. "I learned so much, and I'm really excited to apply everything I took away to my game this upcoming season." Working closely with the Lightning's goalie department proved especially valuable. "We worked closely with the goalie staff throughout the week, and everything felt very personalized. The feedback was excellent, and the information was really accessible. We were encouraged to ask questions, and I definitely took advantage of that." One of the week's highlights came when Lightning star and starting goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy joined one of the team's video sessions.

"Frantz Jean, the goalie coach in Tampa Bay, has worked with Vasilevskiy throughout his career, so being able to learn from him was incredible," Betts said. "During one of our video sessions, Vasilevskiy even joined us and sat in. It was pretty surreal to be in the same room as one of the best goaltenders in the world."

Cooper believes the experience will only accelerate Betts' development. "He absolutely deserved the opportunity because of the work he puts in every single day," Cooper said. "His routines, habits, preparation and attention to detail are the intangibles that are going to help him continue climbing to higher levels." While Betts' development in goal has been impressive, his impact away from the rink may be even more meaningful. Earlier this month, he received the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award in recognition of his work as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador, using his platform to promote blood, stem cell, organ and tissue donation throughout the Kingston community. For Betts, that commitment began by following the example of players who came before him. "I was really inspired by the players who came before me," he said. "One player in particular was Mason Vaccari. As a 16-year-old, I looked up to him because of the impact he had off the ice through Mason's Miracles. "When the opportunity came to become Kingston's Hockey Gives Blood player ambassador, I thought it was an incredible opportunity. Working with Hockey Gives Blood has been an amazing experience. It's an incredible organization that gives players like me the chance to make a real difference in the community. Being able to use hockey to have that kind of impact has meant a lot to me." Cooper says Betts exemplifies the values the organization hopes every player will embrace.

"It's part of our culture and our core values," Cooper said. "We believe that better people make better players, and Gavin is at the forefront of that. He cares deeply about Kingston and this team, and he consistently puts those things ahead of himself. He's a leader in our room."

With another season in Kingston ahead, Betts enters 2026-27 carrying both greater expectations and greater confidence. "As a group, our expectations are much higher than they were last season," Betts said. "Personally, my biggest goal every summer is to improve my game and continue growing as a goaltender. I think my individual goals really align with what we're trying to accomplish as a team." For Betts, continuing to grow means more than stopping pucks. It's about becoming the kind of teammate, leader and community member that leaves a lasting impact long after the final buzzer.

Nolan Snyder named to Team USA for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Spencer Loeb — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:24:31 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to announce that forward Nolan Snyder has been named to Team USA's Under-18 Men's Select Team for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, taking place August 3rd-8th in Edmonton, Alberta. Snyder earned his place on the final 23-player roster following USA Hockey's selection camp in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The prestigious Hlinka Gretzky Cup is one of the premier international tournaments for under-18 players, featuring many of the world's top NHL Draft prospects. Team USA enters the tournament as the defending Hlinka Gretzky Cup champions and will compete in Group B against Czechia, Finland and Germany.

Snyder continues to build on an impressive offseason after finishing third in scoring at the 2026 USA Hockey Boys National 17 Festival with 11 points in six games, a performance that earned him an invitation to selection camp. Now, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native has secured the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage while continuing to establish himself as one of the top American-born prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Snyder enjoyed a strong first season with the Frontenacs and now becomes one of five Ontario Hockey League players selected to Team USA's roster for the tournament.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Nolan on this outstanding accomplishment and wish him the best of luck as he represents the United States at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com

Kulemin and Henderson Invited to Hockey Canada National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team Training Camp

Spencer Loeb — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:02:29 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to announce that forwards Aleks Kulemin and Matthew Henderson have been selected to attend Hockey Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team Training Camp, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta as the country's top under-18 players compete for a chance to represent Canada at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Kulemin enters camp following an impressive rookie campaign with the Frontenacs, showcasing his offensive instincts, hockey IQ and ability to make an impact in all areas of the ice. His invitation is a testament to the growth he displayed throughout the season and further establishes him as one of Canada's top young forwards.

Henderson also earns the opportunity after a strong season that highlighted his speed, work ethic and two-way game. A reliable presence at both ends of the ice, Henderson's consistent play has earned him recognition on the national stage and the chance to compete for a spot wearing the Maple Leaf.

The National Men's Summer Under-18 Team Training Camp serves as the final evaluation ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, one of the premier international tournaments for NHL Draft-eligible players.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Aleks Kulemin and Matthew Henderson on this outstanding achievement and wish them the best of luck as they compete for a place on Team Canada. For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com

Ryan Lennon Hired as Video Coach by Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Spencer Loeb — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:37:43 +0000

The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to congratulate Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Lennon on being hired as the Video Coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Lennon joins the Penguins after several seasons with the Frontenacs organization, where he played a key role in the club's hockey operations department. His attention to detail, work ethic, and ability to break down video and provide valuable insights have made him an integral part of the Frontenacs' success both on and off the ice.

Lennon spent the past two seasons with the Frontenacs, serving as Director of Analytics and Video Coach before being promoted to Director of Hockey Operations ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old has also been active with Hockey Canada, recently being named Video Coach for Team Canada Red at the 2026 World U17 Challenge. He previously contributed pre-scouting video work for Canada’s entries at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

The entire Kingston Frontenacs organization thanks Ryan for his dedication and commitment over the years and wishes him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com

Three Frontenacs Draft Picks Invited to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp

Spencer Loeb — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:01:58 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to announce that recent draft selections Logan Prud'homme, Roman Vanacker, and Gavin Godick have been invited to Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp, taking place July 17-21 in Oakville, Ontario.

The trio is among just 80 players from across the country selected to attend the camp, where they will compete and train under Hockey Canada staff as they vie for a spot on one of two Canadian teams that will compete at the 2026 U17 World Challenge later this year.

Prud'homme, Vanacker, and Godick each bring a unique skill set to the Frontenacs and have already generated plenty of excitement following their selections in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. Their invitations to Hockey Canada's national camp further reinforce the high-end talent and potential they possess as they prepare to begin their OHL careers.

The five-day camp will feature on-ice practices, intra-squad competition, off-ice testing, and development sessions, while Hockey Canada evaluates players ahead of the 2026 U17 World Challenge.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Logan, Roman, and Gavin on this outstanding accomplishment and wish them the very best as they represent both the Frontenacs organization and their communities at Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp. For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com

Snyder Earns Invitation to USA Hockey 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp

Spencer Loeb — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:11:52 +0000

Kingston, ON - Kingston Frontenacs forward Nolan Snyder has been invited to USA Hockey's 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Selection Camp, taking another significant step toward representing his country on the international stage. The selection camp will take place at the end of July in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with players competing for a spot at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Snyder earned his invitation after an outstanding performance at the 2026 USA Hockey Boys National 17 Festival, where he finished third in tournament scoring with 11 points in six games. His offensive production helped solidify his status as one of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

The Pittsburgh, PA native continues to build momentum heading into his sophomore OHL season with the Frontenacs after an impressive rookie campaign. His selection to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup camp is another milestone in what has been a strong offseason and provides an opportunity to showcase his talent against many of the world's top draft-eligible players.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Nolan on this well-deserved opportunity and wish him the best of luck as he competes for a place on Team USA. For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com

Ryan Lennon named to Team Canada Red for 2026 World U17 Challenge

Spencer Loeb — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:05:21 +0000

The Kingston Frontenacs are proud to announce that Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Lennon has been named Video Coach for Team Canada Red at the 2026 World U17 Challenge.

The tournament, which showcases many of the top under-17 players from around the world, provides Canada's next generation of elite talent with an opportunity to represent their country on the international stage. Lennon will be a member of Team Canada Red's coaching staff, providing video analysis and technical support throughout the event.

Lennon joined the Frontenacs ahead of the 2024-25 season and has played an integral role in the club's hockey operations department. His work in video analysis, game preparation, player development, and scouting has made him a trusted resource for the coaching staff and players alike.

This isn't the first time he's been called upon to represent his country, as ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Lennon was tapped to do pre-scouting video work for the Men's Canadian Olympic Team.

The 2026 World U17 Challenge will bring together six teams from around the globe, including Team Canada Red, Team Canada White, Team USA, Sweden, Finland, and Czechia, featuring many of the top NHL Draft-eligible players for the coming years.

The Kingston Frontenacs congratulate Ryan on this well-deserved accomplishment and wish him the best of luck with Team Canada Red this fall. For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com

Gavin Godick signs OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Frontenacs

Spencer Loeb — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:55:17 +0000

Kingston, ON - The Kingston Frontenacs and General Manager Kory Cooper are happy to announce that defenceman Gavin Godick has signed his OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the club. Godick was selected by the Frontenacs with the 47th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. Godick comes from the Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA program where he notched 2 goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 28 games. The 6-foot, 182 lbs. right-shot defenceman from Thunder Bay, ON starred in five OHL Cup games for Don Mills collecting 2 goals and 2 assists.

"Gavin is a right defenceman that has a really good feel with the puck," said Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper. "He is very shifty and moves well laterally in the offensive zone and can open up a lot of shooting and passing lanes. On the defensive side of the puck, he defends hard and is tough to beat in one-on-one situations, with his mobility. We're happy to welcome Gavin and his family to the hockey club, and continue his development”.

Godick joins three other members of the Frontenacs' 2026 draft class in signing their OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement; joining first round pick Logan Prud'homme and second rounder choices Roman Vanacker and Shane Roche. Gavin will wear number 72 when he puts the Frontenacs jersey on this fall.

"I'm incredibly excited and grateful to officially sign with the Kingston Frontenacs," said Godick. "It's an amazing organization with a great reputation, and I'm thankful for the opportunity. I can't wait to get started and do whatever I can to help the team succeed."

Stay tuned to Kingston Frontenacs social media channels for updates on training camp as they become available. Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now – don’t miss your chance to secure your seats early and be locked in for 34 Frontenacs’ home games and take advantage of perks and benefits only available to Season Ticket Members! Click here for more information. For media inquiries, contact: Abbey Johnson Manager of Communications and Fan Experience Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Club (613) 328-6787 ajohnson@kingstonfrontenacs.com