DORCHESTER, Ont. - The Dorchester Dolphins are moving closer to finalizing their season opening roster.
Two recent exhibition home games against the Thamesford Trojans, gave the Dolphins coaching staff an opportunity to observe players in action for those final roster decisions.
"We were just looking to play hockey, not a ton of structure outside of special teams, letting them get back in game shape and see what bubble players were going to push their way in," head coach Jordan Fuller said. "We had some clarity on a few decisions."
Dorchester defeated Thamesford, 6-2, Sunday, August 30th and lost 3-2 on August 27th.
"We played some good hockey. Our rosters were about only 50 percent of our regulars compared to Thamesford with closer to 80 per cent," Fuller said. "We had a lot of players playing who will be APs this year and looking to make our team in the next year or two. They had great skates."
Captain, defenceman and Dorchester native Mavin Smith, who led the Dolphins' blueline with 19 assists and 21 points, heads the list of returning players.
LJ Legault, last season's second leading scorer with 16 goals and 18 assists and Lucas Wilson, nine goals and 19 assists, in 31 games, will again be counted on for offence.
Forward Senan Moore, a late season addition to the Dolphins, who scored six times in nine games, will have a full season.
Forward Ethan Bourgeois had seven goals and 12 assists as a 16-year old rookie, looks to continued developed in his second season.
Sam Willsie and Liam Brulottle, both from the Dorchester area and Charlie Keyes, are back with Smith on the blueline, in front of returning goalie Brandon Mancari.
Among the new faces are Dorchester native Colin Langstaff, who played last season with the Burlington Cougars of the OJHL. Langstaff's resume includes 86 games over two seasons with the Sarnia Legionnaires, compiling 50 points in the GOJHL.
Forward Quinn Gavin-White brings Junior B experience with stops in St. Thomas, Komoka and Strathroy. Gavin-White had 15 goals and 41 assist in 48 games in his final Junior B season.
Over the summer, the Dolphins acquired 20-year old Alex Joyce from the Port Stanley Sailors, for Liam Smith and Ethan Berry. Joyce also played with the St. Thomas Stars.
Colson Joyce played for Komoka last season in the GOJHL, putting up 13 goals and 12 assists in 50 games.
The Dolphins acquired 19-year Tanner Ducharme from the Aylmer Spitfires for Owen Stoddard and Adam Vanderheide.
Signings over recent months, include two players from Epic Academy, 18-year old Carson Thompson and Jayden Hazelwood, who had 22 goals and 34 assists in 42 games.
Additional signings include, 18-year old defenceman Anthony Gartly, 18-year old forward Kyle Pandur, 16-year old goalie Ethan Anderson from Cambridge and 18-year old defenceman Colin Shaw of Brantford.
The Dolphins have a third exhibition game, hosting Mt Brydges, Thursday, September 3rd.
The regular season begins with a home game, Sunday, Sept. 13th, at 3:30 p.m.