The North Dundas Rockets opened their 2019-20 season with their tryouts on Wed., Aug. 18 at the Joel Steele Community Centre in Winchester. One of the Rockets newest additions and Chesterville native, Brett Lannin laced them up for his first action as a Rocket. Lannin played last season for the Elliott Lake Wildcats in Junior A; Lannin will be a welcomed addition to the Rockets’ defensive core. Moore photo

WINCHESTER—The North Dundas Rockets opened their 2019 season with tryouts on Wed., Aug. 28-Fri., Aug. 30 at the Joel Steele Community Centre in Winchester. The Rockets had 19 skaters and three goalies out on the first night and there was a lot of excitement in the arena.

The Rockets didn’t like the way the 2018-19 season ended and they were looking to get back in the hunt for the NCJHL championship. The three-night tryout was also their training camp and they had a chance to look at the new talent they acquired in the offseason.

The Rockets welcomed back Cameron Brown, Justin Lefebvre, Brad Nash, Will Watson, Pierce Egan, Brodie Barkley, Tom Fingler, Jack Van Kessel, Jarrett Williams, Dylan Robinson and goalie, Caleb Gervais. The Rockets also welcomed newcomers Joel Hunt (who they signed as an overage from the Casselman Vikings) and Chesterville native, Brett Lannin (who they picked up from the Elliott Lake Wildcats Jr. A from the NOJHL). Also at camp were two of the Rockets’ affiliate players from last year, Kobe Young and Curtis Bowman.

The Rockets’ other signing from the Casselman Vikings, Brady Cloutier says he is committed to the team but still has a nagging injury from last season and did not participate in the tryouts. Others at the camp were from the 2018-19 Major Midget Demons, Blake Waters, Can Sherrer and Owen Richardson. The Rockets will have to make some tough decisions moving forward but it looks like they will be in contention again this season and challenge for first place in the west division.

The Rockets exhibition schedule is out and they will take on the Metcalfe Jets on Sat., Sept. 7, at the Joel Steele Community Centre in Winchester at 7:15 p.m. and a return match with the Jets as host in Winchester on Sun., Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m.