Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2023-24 team captains across The OJ. (Photo by Shawn Muir / OJHL Images)
BY RON VALENTINE
The Georgetown Raiders named local boy Jack Guvenal as their captain for the 2023-24 campaign.
The defenceman made his debut for the Raiders playing two games during the 2019-20 season. When COVID-19 derailed play in the OJHL the next year, he suited up for the Boston Jr. Bruins of the NCDC.
Last season, Jack had a banner campaign with the Raiders putting up 43 points from the blueline.
The new captain is ably ‘assisted’ by two veteran forwards: Kaleb Nelson and Carter Real.
Nelson, from Keswick, ON, had 55 points and Real totalled 44 between the Toronto Junior Canadiens and the Aurora Tigers. Both are looking at strong seasons, pointwise.
Jack on last season.
“We had a good regular season last year but unfortunately late on and in the playoffs we had more than our share of injuries, especially on defence and in net, plus several guys played hurt and that made it tough. Rhys Chiddenton had a super season for us, almost reaching the 100-point mark.”
The 2023-24 campaign.
“The guys are hungry. The new players are quick learners. It’s a much younger club but we already have that ‘hate to lose’ mentality. I do most of my leading on the ice and on the bench and it’s great to have Kaleb and Carter’s experienced voices in the dressing room. Kristian Lamanna will have a breakout season for us for sure, in the regular season he mostly played on the third line then he had a strong playoff as a rookie and will put up big numbers this time around. Finn Marshall stepped in for us as a 16-year-old last year in difficult situations and is our go-to goalie.”
What the season may bring, what Jack brings as a player plus his future hopes.
“I’m very optimistic about what we are putting together here in Georgetown, we have a great returning coaching staff who want to win, we have extra skates and it’s fun to come to the rink. The players may be younger overall but the skill level is high. In my last junior season I want to continue to build my confidence at the blue line and to make more plays to set up the offense.”
“I’m a two-way D-man who can move the puck. The coaching staff trusts me in all situations. Points come and go but will be there as we mature and bond even more as a team. I’m taking on-line courses from American Public University, which I hope will get me the grades to reach my ultimate goal of playing NCAA hockey.”
Raiders head coach Shawn Snider on his captain: “Guvy is a quiet leader who leads by example. There is not a day where he is not first on the ice at practice. He is a Georgetown kid who has been with the Raiders for four years. It was an easy choice to name him as captain. I know he will be a big influence with our young defensive corps and along with our other leaders Jack will help our team through the ups and downs of a long season.”
With Jack and his fellow veterans leading the way the Raiders look forward to another competitive season in the OJHL.
They are 10-6-0-3 and tied with Buffalo for third place in the OJHL West. The Raiders’ next game is in Leamington Thursday night. They are home to Collingwood Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Follow Ron Valentine on X @ronandlynda
