The Morrisburg Lions hit the ice at the Finch Arena on Wed., Sept. 4, in preparation for the upcoming NCJHL season. The Lions’ assistant coach, Lance Hogdson draws out their next drill. The Lions had a good turnout with 24 skaters and five goalies. There were a lot of new faces that will be in the lineup for the 2019-20 season. The Lions look to contend this season after a disappointing 2018-19 season. Moore photo

Kevin Casselman

G.M. Morrisburg Lions

MORRISBURG—It was a very busy off season for the Morrisburg Jr. C Lions along with eligible returning players Cal Bilmer, Justin Shay, Kevin Doyle, Daniel MacDonald, Greg McMullen, Kyle Ouellete, goaltender Riley Phillips. The Lions are pleased to announce the following signings: Brennan Markell, 21, has split his Junior career between the Cornwall Colts in the CCHL, and the Char-Lan Rebels in the CCHL2. The Cornwall-native forward had a CCHL career-high 48 points (19 goals, 29 assists) with the Colts in 2016-17. Last season, Markell put up 67 points for the Rebels (29 goals, 38 assists) in the regular season, and had six goals and four assists in the playoffs. Markell was also named the Lions’ team captain for the upcoming season.

Miquel Daoust, 21, goaltender, played last season with Ottawa West Golden Knights of the CCHL2 posting a 12 win season, .912 save percentage, 2.70 GAA. Prior to playing the Golden Knights, Miquel was named the NCJHL MVP goaltender in 2017-2018.

Justice Brownlee, 17 played with Char-Lan Rebels in the CCHL2 and was named the Rebels’ rookie of the year. Jack Ingram, 17, played on the Cornwall Colts Midget U18 AAA team for the past two seasons. In 2018-19 he posted six goals and 14 goals in 40 games for the Colts.

Williamsburg native, Kayne McCadden, 16,  a defenseman who was drafted by the Brockville Braves in the CCHL Bantam Draft in 2018; he played for the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings the past three seasons, and was an affiliated player with the Lions in the 2018-19 season, playing in three games.

Jake Amo, 18, hails from Massena, New York, and played with the Rebels in the CCHL2 during the 2018-19 season.

Tanner Barnett, 20-year-old defenseman from Kemptville, played the past three seasons with the North Dundas Rockets and was acquired in an off season trade to add size and strength to the defense.    Noah Edmonds, 18-year-old forward obtained in off season trade with Vankleek Hill Cougars. Noah is a welcome addition to the club; good size and skill.

Cameron Fraser, 16, forward played last season with Seaway Valley Minor AA Midget. Cam had an outstanding camp, bringing speed and skill to the team.

Kylan Tavares, 18, year old from Perth; big power forward with great offensive skill.

Braden Kehoe, 19-year-old from Perth; he is a skilled offensive forward who adds great depth to the forward group.

The Lions have also signed Doug “Torchy” Barnett as an assistant coach, joining bench boss Ken Turnbull and assistant coach Lance Hodgson. Barnett played for the Gloucester Rangers in Jr. A, and captained the Kemptville ’73s when they were in the Jr. B. He later coached the ’73s. Barnett was a director with the RSL Kings AA program, and most recently was with the North Dundas Rockets’ organization.

The Lions are also proud to announce Graham Robertson, last seasons NCJHL rookie of the year has graduated to play with the Char-Lan Rebels of the CCHL2, defenseman Jensen Tysick has graduated to play with the Athens Aeros of the CCHL2, and defenseman Jacob Victor has graduated to play with the Renfrew Timberwloves. The Lions organization wish the players the very best, and congratulations.

Lions preseason games

The Morrisburg Lions play their second preseason game of the 2019-20 NCJHL season on Sat., Sept. 14, as they travel to the Ingredion Centre in Cardinal to take on the South Grenville Rangers at 8:10 p.m. The Lions then travel to the Bell Sensplex on Sun., Sept. 15, to take on the West Carleton Inferno at 3:15 p.m.