Northumberland Stars provides exciting junior hockey action at an affordable price

Hockey faceoff. By Markus Spiske. Free Use Domain Unsplash

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.

A junior hockey team based in Colborne is looking to re-establish itself in the Cramahe Township community after new ownership took over in April.

The Northumberland Stars are affiliated with the unsanctioned Greater Metro Junior Hockey League, having zero ties to Hockey Canada. This allows the team to sign players aged 16-21 from anywhere in the world. The roster currently has several players from European countries, the United States, and Canada.

Alex McConnell and business partner Bill Dyer took over from longtime owners Glen and Cindy Campbell, with McConnell also serving as General Manager and Head Coach.

We’re definitely a skilled team, but we’re very hard working. It starts at the top of our lineup, down. We’ve got a lot of experienced guys with a lot of junior games. We’re an excited team, we’re high scoring,” McConnell said in describing his club.

Most home games for the Northumberland Stars take place at the Keeler Centre at 7:30 p.m on Friday. Its affordable experience for $5 per ticket.

McConnell and Dyer recently presented to Cramahe Township Council, expressing their difficulty in obtaining community sponsors. Yet this may be due to a lack of exposure and community outreach, areas that McConnell wants to improve upon.

”I don’t think as a team there’s been a ton of community involvement in the last couple of seasons, so, that's definitely something we’re focused on,” McConnell explained.

The team is off to a fantastic start this season, boasting a 31-3-1 record, to lead the entire GMHL.

The Stars are hosting a cancer awareness and fundraiser game January 30 against Durham. Jerseys will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to cancer research and awareness.