Dorchester scores a Junior D hockey team

Last Updated on Friday, 07 May 2010 22:15 Written by Wendy Spence Tuesday, 12 August 2008 05:00

Sixteen years after ceasing operations as a Southwestern Ontario Senior 'A' Hockey League team, the Dorchester Dolphins are back in the swim of things as a Junior D team. There was a buzz around Dorchester and area as the exciting news spread on Friday. Director of hockey operations Bruce Schruder says, “Everyone's passionate about hockey [in the area].” Overwhelmingly the effort has been made “for the kids,” he says. 

           “The plan is to have home games Friday nights at 7:30 at the new arena,” according team co-owner and local resident Mike McLellan. The ice should be ready for action by September.

           Less than a year ago Schruder approached the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) “asking them how I would go about getting a team for Dorchester.” In June of 2009, he and McLellan put together the ownership, management and coaching staff and the wheels were set in motion for the application process. Mel Huctwith and John Willsie were key players as hockey advisors. Schruder claims “they were a tremendous help for us.” John Simmons has the responsibilities for the Junior D league and he was also instrumental in the successful application. Schruder is very proud that “this is the first Junior D team the OHA has approved in a very long time.”

           Although the application process began less than a year ago, the dream of having a junior team in Dorchester has been alive for years. Schruder explains the “natural progression would be for minor players to aspire to [joining a local junior team].” Until now there were a lot of kids with nowhere to play. When the new arena construction was approved, there was “more than enough room.” 

           McLellan recalls, “Back when I played in midget in Belmont I always looked up to the junior team.” The good news was received on April 29th. The official letter from the OHA board of directors read: “The decision to approve your entry was based primarily on the overwhelming support received from the SOJHL [Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League] and the quality of your presentation, as well as our belief that you will conduct yourself in a manner fitting of an OHA member both on and off the ice.”

The acquisition of a junior D team has been time consuming, but the work has just begun. The ownership group is in place. Besides McLellan, the group includes Chris Willsie, Reini Simonis, former Dolphins player Tom Lawson and president and CEO Paul Vandenbosch. Another former player, Dave McLeod, is general manager of the new team and yet another former Dorchester Dolphins player, Jeff McKay will be behind the bench taking care of the coaching duties. 

           Team members still need to be chosen. Schruder says, “We'll invite everyone who's interested to come to the Western Fair on July 10 and 11  for the evaluation skates (for those born between 1990 and 1994). The goal is to enlist “as many local kids as possible.” The age range for Junior D hockey is between 17 and 21 years old. The roster will include 22 players and part of the synergy of having the team in the community is that someone from a local midget team could be called in as a substitute in case of an injury. For further information about the tryouts you can contact Jeff McKay at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

           The success of the team will depend on the commitment of the ownership, management, and players, says Schruder. The community will also play a vital role. “We will need a team of volunteers to help make this team succesful.” 

           According to McLellan, “I've had a number of calls from people wondering how things are going” and wanting to lend their support. If you're interested in getting involved with Dorchester's new Junior D hockey team, and if you would like to be put on a list for season tickets, email Bruce Schruder at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . A website for the team will be online soon, with updates including the schedule for the Dorchester Dolphins and ticket information.