Special Events

Following our game vs Listowel on Family Day (Feb 17, 2020) the Stratford Warriors hosted a free
'Skate with the Warriors' at the Allman Arena from 4-5pm.  Left, #6 Blake Wideman and right, #28 Aaron Davidson, skate and chat with young fans. (Photo credit to Cory Smith, Stratford Beacon Herald)

Nick Parr, Vice President of the Huron Perth Lakers (HPL) and Chris Traynor, representing Stratford Minor Hockey (SMHA), drop the puck on Family Day (Feb 17, 2020).

The following players were recognized as having played for HPL and/or SMHA...
From STRATFORD: #1 Tyler Parr, #6 Blake Wideman, #7 Luke deVries, 8 Carter Schoonderwoerd, #9 Zac McCann, #12 Evan Dowd, #14 Mitchell Casey, #16 Malcolm McLeod, #17 Cole Melady, #18 Camden Daigle, #24 Clayton Lewis, #27 Sheldon Pryce, #40 Rhett Kimmel.  From LISTOWEL: #7 Josiah Kraayenbrink, #8 Thomas Gangl,
#11 Craig McKague, #16 Carter McLlwain, #28 Tyler Hotson.

Midwestern Conference Goaltenders of the Month for January 2020 were our very own #1 Tyler Parr and #40 Rhett Kimmel.  Above, Doug Black, GOJHL Convenor for the Midwestern Conference, presents Tyler and Rhett with their plaques.

Mayor Dan Mathieson presents a plaque from the City of Stratford to Stratford's Aly McLeod recognizing her participation in the 2020 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championships — the Canadian team came home from Slovakia with Silver medals after winning four games and advancing to the final before losing 2-1 in overtime to the United States.  Photo on left, left to right Dan Mathieson (Stratford Mayor), Aly McLeod, Mike McLeod (Stratford Warriors Assistant Coach and Aly's proud father).

On February 7, 2020 the Stratford Hockey Club took a moment to appreciate the generous families who have hosted player(s) this season in their homes — special thanks goes out to all our families!  Parents left to right:  Jamie Antonio, Melissa and Darren Akey, Marianne and Frank Thalheimer, Brenda and Bruce Holst.  Absent: Andy Vivian, Dave and Kim Parsons. Players left to right: Drew Ferris, Blake Wideman, Alex Grant, Zac Hatch, Drew Welsch.

RBC Mascot Leo watches over the puck drop on Friday, January 31st.  Left to Right:  Listowel Cyclones Captain Brenden Clayton, Rob Bryan, VP RBC Dominion Securities, Brian De Groote, Senior Account Manager Commercial Banking RBC Royal Bank, and Stratford Warriors Captain Malcolm McLeod.  The SHC appreciates the support of the Royal Bank and RBC Dominion Securities.

St. Ambrose Catholic School in Stratford had some guest readers Monday, January 27, 2020 during Family Literacy Day. From left: Stratford Warriors Drew Ferris and Carter Schoonderwoerd, national women’s hockey U18 world silver-medallist Aly McLeod, and Warriors Blake Wideman and Drew Welsch.

On January 25th, four Stratford Culliton/Warrior alumni teams took to the ice at the Allman arena.  60 players entertained fans on the ice with games at 4:00pm and 5:30pm and in the upstairs lobby, a display provided fans with a history of the club its players.  Admission was by donation with all proceeds going to the Heart & Stroke.  A big thank you goes out to all fans who attended and all players who came out to skate.
Special thanks to all our sponsors: Craig Lizun & Desjardins Financial Security, James Rutherford Trucking, New Orleans Pizza, Tim Hortons, Youngs Funeral Home and Iron Horse Express.

Left to right, winners of the 2019 Joe Mavity Award are Mitchell Casey, Malcolm McLeod and Evan Dowd along with SHC Director Paul Smith, SHC President Jamie Nigro.

THE JOE MAVITY AWARD

Keeping with the Warrior's tradition of "combining education with athletics" the Stratford Hockey Club developed an educational aid award in the name of a former director; Joe Mavity. Stratford remembers Joe Mavity fondly for his sports involvement within the city as a player, but mostly vividly as a coach and manager who worked to instill a commitment to excellence and sportsmanship within all of his players. After serving on the Warrior's Board of Directors for more than a decade, the Stratford Hockey Club set up a scholarship fund in his memory. These awards are available to past and present Warriors players who demonstrate excellence within their academics by attending a Canadian post-secondary institution, and who have providing outstanding service to the Stratford Hockey Club program over the years.

On November 29th, the Stratford Hockey Club and Warrior Fans supported the United Way by "Passing the Bucket".  $795.65 was raised — thank you to everyone who donated!  Top Photo: United Way chairman, Martin Ritsma drops the puck. Middle Photo: "Pass the Bucket" volunteers. Bottom Photos: The Stratford Aces (puck collectors for the night) high five the Warriors after warm up.

Friday October 18th puck drop!  From left to right, Kitchener Captain Sean Kawalec, Andrea Murray, Jaclynn Casey, Jean Stiles, Barb Mitchell, Lory Casey and Stratford Assistant Captain Mitchell Casey.  Andrea, Jaclynn, Jean, Barb and Lory are all Breast Cancer Survivors!

Stratford Warriors Camden Daigle, Zac Hatch, Jacob Murray and Zac McCann lend a helping hand at Foodland with the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Food Drive.  Thank you to everyone who made donations!

United Way Perth-Huron Kicks Off 2019 Campaign in Downtown Stratford
Stratford, ON (September 13, 2019) – United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) kicked off the 2019 campaign in style with a harvest lunch in Stratford’s Market Square as UWPH Campaign Co-chairs Kathryn and Martin Ritsma announced the campaign goal of $1,633,566.  Several Stratford Warrior players were on hand to help support and promote the campaign.  “$1.633 million is a significant goal,” UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb explained. “But that money is needed to address #UNIGNORABLE issues like poverty, homelessness and mental health across Perth and Huron.”  To show your #LocalLove by donating or volunteering, call 519-271-7730 or or visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca

FOR UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS,
PLEASE VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR
(UNDER THE "CALENDARS" TAB)

Pictured from left: Addison Macey, Tyson Kielt, Drew Welsch, Malcolm McLeod, Sean Ross, Evan Dowd.

Congratulations to all our Stratford Warriors award recipients for the 2018-2019 season!
This year's winners (presented April 7, 2019) include:
Erik Anderson Award (Most points in regular season): Sean Ross
Pavestone Plus Award (Top plus-minus): Sean Ross
Jack Wright Memorial Award (Regular season MVP): Sean Ross
Jack Dent Memorial Award (Outstanding Defenceman): Addison Macey
Ron Schulthies Memorial Award (Rookie of the Year): Drew Welsch
Cherrey Buslines Award (Best Defensive Forward): Evan Dowd
Herbert G. Parker Award (Outstanding SMHA Graduate): Malcolm McLeod
James Elder Memorial Award (On- and off-ice leadership): Malcolm McLeod
Mike Lebreux Memorial Award (Fan’s Player of the Year): Sean Ross
The MacArthur Trophy (Playoff MVP): Tyson Kielt
John Mavity Memorial Award (Most Improved Player): Malcolm McLeod

Thank you to the players of the Stratford Culliton 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 teams who were honoured in a pre-game ceremony on Friday, February 22nd — back-to-back Sutherland Cup Champions!

Dylan Lebold and Corson Searles accompany team Chaplain, Dan Bowyer, on a visit to Community Living Stratford on Friday, February 22nd.

The Stratford Hockey Club would like to recognize and send a heartfelt thank you out to all our billet homes for their time and support given to the player(s) that billet with them.  Welcoming players and making them feel at home is greatly appreciated!

Thank you to this year's billet parents (pictured above)...

Melissa and Darren Akey, Marianne and Frank Thalheimer,
Barb and Gerhard Serf, Courtney and Mark Downham,
Janis and Jamie Antonio, Brenda and Bruce Holst,
Andy Vivian, Kim and Dave Parson,
Kristen and Brian Riddel, Kris and Jamie Thomas

If you are interested in hosting a player in your home for the 2019-20 season, please contact Jamie Nigro at 519-301-0644 or jamie.nigro@schaeffler.com.

The Stratford Jr. B. Hockey Club join the City of Stratford and the entire hockey community in mourning the passing of local hockey legend, Denis ( Dinny) Flanagan on November 25, 2018. Dinny became Manager of The Stratford Cullitons in their inaugural season in 1975 and he spent the next 21 seasons helping create one of the finest Junior Hockey organizations in the province before retiring in 1996.

His teams never finished lower than third place. In twenty-one seasons, the Cullitons finished first fifteen times, won ten league titles and five O.H.A. Championships. The . overall record of the Cullitons under Dinny's guidance is an amazing 735 wins, 159 losses and 36 ties. Recently, Dinny became the recipient of the highest award ... O.H.A. Gold Stick Award.

The Warriors Family, and our fans, are deeply indebted to Dinny for all that he gave to us over the years. We will miss him dearly, but we know that his presence will forever be felt by our club and our city.

Dinny’s contribution to the Stratford Jr. B. Hockey Club will never be forgotten.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, our Hockey Team and our Fans I would like to express my condolences to Dinny’s Family.

Team Chaplain, Father Daniel Bower, poses with the team during his November visit.  The chaplain visits the rink each month and offers up topics for discussion.  November's topic was 'trust'.  Thanks Father Dan!

It was only 7:28 in the first period when Kameron Shearer scored (with Nathan Smilsky and Drew Welsch assisting) to bring the fans to their feet and toss their stuffed animals onto the ice on November 23, 2018 for the Warrior's Annual Teddy Bear Night!  Thank you to all who participated by donating teddy bears and to the Stratford Warriors Major Atom MD team and Stratford Motor Products assistance in collecting this year's stuffed animals from the ice.  Donations will be given to local organizations who provide support to children in need.

Justin Beiber was in Stratford and caught Friday night's Warriors game November 23.  In between periods he greeted fans.  Above, he poses with the Stratford Warriors Major Atom MD Minor Hockey team who was on hand to collect pucks after warm up and chuck-a-puck.

TOP PHOTOS:  October 26th was the launch of our Pink in the Rink campaign.  Players wore pink jerseys in warm up that were subsequently auctioned off with all proceeds being donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.  Top left, Brantford 99ers captain Shaun General faces off with Stratford's Mitchell Casey in a ceremonial puck drop.  Dropping the puck is Mitchell's mother, Lory Casey (left) and Jacqueline Casey (right).  Top right, Mitchell Casey gives his mother Lory - a breast cancer survivor - a hug.  BOTTOM PHOTO:  November 16, SHC Director Lorraine Smith presents a cheque for $1900 to Carol Hertel from the Canadian Cancer Society's Stratford branch.

Stratford Warriors players work together with Perth County Paramedics in the Stratford Santa Claus parade held November 25, 2018.

A few of the Stratford Warriors were on hand in Market Square (Stratford) for the 2018 United Way Campaign kick off on Friday, September 14.  Please support the United Way Huron Perth and its fundraising efforts this season!

The Stratford Warriors rely heavily on volunteers and financial supporters — special thanks go out to all our Supporters and Sponsors for the 2018 Season.  Below, RBC Royal Bank & RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities present a Supporter Cheque.  From left to right, Brian De Groote, John Cossey, Rob Bryan, Cam Shearer, Ryan Cullen, Sean Ross, Lincoln Simmons, Hugh Anderson, Darcy Krahn, Jamie Nigro.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Pre-Season BBQ fundraiser at Zehrs on Saturday August 25th — this includes all our fans and supporters, Linda and the staff at Zehrs, SHC Staff and Directors.

Despite the rain, the players had a great afternoon running the BBQ, bagging groceries and helping customers carry bags to their cars.

Chosen based on Performance....
Most Points - Regular Season (Erik Anderson Award):  Jack Scanlan
Best Plus/Minus (Pavestone Plus Award):  Ryan Nicholson (+44)

As voted by the Players, Team Staff, Game Staff & Directors...
Most Valuable (Regular Season) (Jack Wright Memorial Award): Jack Scanlan
Outstanding Defenceman (Jack Dent Memorial Award):  Ryan Nicholson
Rookie of the Year (Ron Schulthies Memorial Award:  Kaleb Pearson
Best Defensive Forward (Cherrey Buslines Award):  Dylan Lebold
Outstanding SMHA Graduate (Herbert G. Parker Award):  Mitchell Casey

As chosen by the Training Staff...
On/Office Leadership (James Elder Memorial Award):  Corson Searles

As voted by the Fans...
Fan's Player of the Year Award (Mike Lebreux Memorial Award): Kaleb Pearson

As chosen by the Coaching Staff...
Most Valuable Play-off Player (MacArthur Award):  Ryan Cullen
Most Improved Player (John Mavity Memorial Award):  Andrew Vigliatore

The weekend of January 6 & 7, 2018 saw the Warriors head to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.  During the father and son trip, the Warriors had an opportunity to tour the athletic and academic facilities.  They attended a Michigan State University game on Saturday night — MSU vs Ohio State.  They were also able to practice on Sunday morning.  Players, fathers and staff all had an enjoyable weekend.

On December 13, 2017, this year's Stratford Warriors team took on a team of Stratford Jr B Alumni.  Alumni included players with notable success in both the NHL and Europe including Tim Taylor (2 Stanley Cups), Greg deVries (1 Stanley Cup), Boyd Devereaux (1 Stanley Cup) and Mike Martin (1 Calder Cup).  Two alumni still retain team records for the club — Erik Anderson (Most Points in a Season) and Jason Mervyn (Most Goals in a Season)!   Prior to the game, fans had the opportunity to skate with the players and get autographs.  The game was a joint fundraiser between the Stratford Hockey Club and the local Heart & Stroke chapter — we appreciate the support of the players, the alumni and all our fantastic Warrior fans!

SHC Director John Cossey (right) proudly presents a cheque to the SHC and Heart & Stroke for the funds raised at the Alumni Game in December 2017.  Accepting on behalf of Heart & Stroke is Area Manager, Rachel Smith (left) and Shelley Berg (centre).

The Stratford Warriors were out and about December the 7th volunteering at the local Zehrs seeking donations for the Salvation Army Kettle. They are, from left to right, Ryan Bell, Connor Gregga and Kaleb Pearson. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and who donated to this important fundraising initiative.

It took until 4:44 in the third period when Kaleb Pearson scored (with Corson Searles and Jack Scanlan assisting) to bring the fans to their feet and toss their stuffed animals onto the ice on November 3, 2017 for the Warrior's Annual Teddy Bear Night!  Thank you to all who participated by donating teddy bears and to Brady Blain's Minor Atom AAA Huron Perth Lakers for helping Stratford Motor Products collect this year's stuffed animals.  Donations will be given to local organizations who provide support to children in need.

Stratford Warriors embraced Friday November 3rd's "Random Act of Kindness" day by dropping into Public Skates as the Allman and Milverton Arena's handing out free game passes.  Pictured right, Maxim Mulder, Corson Searles and Evan Dowd visit Milverton.

The Stratford Warriors inspired Aaron and Rowan Green this Halloween as they spent the evening dressed as Stratford Warriors!  Thank you Aaron and Rowan for the great tribute!

Congratulations to long time Season Ticket holders, Bob and Jane Douglas — winners of the 42" HD television in our 2017-2018 Season Ticket draw.  Bob and Jane have been Warriors fans for many years and we appreciate their continuing support!  Special thanks for Phelans Place (www.phelansplace.com) for the generous donation!

The Stratford Hockey Club and the Stratford Minor Hockey Association proudly unveiled their new logo on June 1, 2017.

The two hockey organizations offered a logo design contest during 2016 in their quest for a new, shared logo.  Over 175 entries were received.  The winning logo, designed by Mike Lee of Stratford, maintains the traditional red and blue colours of both organizations but incorporates several classic Stratford elements...

"With it, I’ve tried to create a design with layers of meaning for the City of Stratford.  The focal point of the logo is the Warrior himself.  An imagined knight of the Elizabethan era.  This menacing knight would be the victor in any Shakespearean tragedy.  In the lower part of the knight’s armoured crest, a powerful swan.  Sentinel of the City of Stratford.  Wings stretched wide in victory and a look of fearlessness.  Subtler layers of subtext can be found in the twin “W’s” formed by the knight’s red cape.  As well as a graphic representation of the Festival Theatre’s scalloped roof detail in the shadow of the knight’s armoured shoulder plates."

It all comes together in a unique and creative design — both organizations look forward to the fresh new look and are excited to bring their new logo to the ice for the 2017-2018 season!

Pictured above from LEFT.  The new Stratford Warriors Logo / A crowd gathers at the Allman Arena for the unveilling / Logo designer Mike Lee describes some of the highlights of the new logo / Team Captain Jack Scanlan proudly wears the new jersey.

The Stratford Warriors recently enjoyed their end of season banquet.  The club would like to thank everyone who made the season possible — the great players and staff, the hard working Board of Directors, dedicated and valuable volunteers, wonderful billet homes and fabulous fans!

Players taking home awards this years included (pictured Left to Right):

Ryan Nicholson - Best Defenceman & Rookie of the Year
Cam Garrow - Best Plus/Minus Record
Jack Scanlan - Regular Season MVP, Scoring Leader, Fan Favorite and On & Off Ice Leadership
Kameron Shearer - Most Improved
Jack Wieringa - Play Off MVP
Dylan Lebold - Best Defensive Forward
Josh Higgins - Outstanding SMHA Graduate (absent from photo)

Pictured right is team chaplain, Dan Bowyer, with Zander Pryor celebrating the Cherrey Cup win at the end of the 2015-2016 season.  Dan has been the team's chaplain since January 2015.

Click to read the recent article, "Ministry on a Hockey Rink in Stratford" to learn more about Dan's role with the Stratford Hockey Club.

On February 17th, Cullitons' Team Chaplain Dan Boyer was invited to speak at the Stratford Council of Churches luncheon — this year's theme was "Chaplains in the Community".
Above, left to right, Hayden Broomhead (Stratford Cullition #19), Zander Pryor (Stratford Culliton #17), Suzi Higgins (mom of Stratford Culliton Josh Higgins #14) and Will Kraemer from the Stratford Council of Churches.

Players Drew Gross, Jack Scanlan and Justin Graham along with Team Chaplain Dan Bowyer visited staff, residents and their families at Spruce Lodge Long-Term Care Centre on Saturday, February 6th.

Tyson Baker and Zach Van Louwe represented the Stratford Cullitons as judges at "Heartburn Day at the Oscars" on Saturday, February 28th at the Stratford Rotary Complex. Proceeds from the event supported the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Culliton players Hayden Broomhead, Josh Higgins and Jack Scanlan visited the Romeo School Breakfast Program January 14th to sign autographs.  Both the players and the students enjoyed the morning event.  Shown on the left are Scanlan, Higgins and Broomhead (left to right) with a group of Romeo students.  On the right, the players are shown with Henri Molenhuis, the Breakfast Program Co-ordinator, and Principal Kate Lusk.

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in our Annual Skate with the Cullitons held December 19th!  The players had a great time and we hoped everyone enjoyed themselves.  Thank you for all the non-perishable food donations; they have been sent on to our local Salvation Army and House of Blessing.

Along with team chaplain Dan Bowyer, Stratford Culliton players recently volunteered to assist the Salvation Army with their Christmas Kettle Campaign.  Left to right, Drew Gross and Joe Leahy take the morning shift while Zander Pryor and Cooper Stahl helped in the afternoon.

The team came together to help out with the "To Stratford With Love" outreach meal December 19th at the Stratford Rotary Complex!

Players had fun and were kept busy staffing the pop station.

Special thanks to everyone who supported this year's "To Stratford With Love" banquet now celebrating its 25th year!

On December 8th, several Stratford Culliton players strapped on their skates to help the Henry's Barbshop team practice (Stratford Rotary Hockey).

Left to right the Stratford Cullion players are Quinton Haddock, Zander Pryor and Drew Gross.

 Stratford Cullitons Captain Tyson Baker presents the first "Hockey for Hunger" pledge form to Lisa Stanley of the House of Blessing along with Cullitons Chaplain Dan Bowyer.

"Hockey for Hunger" will run from December 4th until December 18th.  Individuals are challenged to donate $1 to the House of Blessing for every goal the Cullitons score in this time and businesses are challenged to donate $5 for every goal the Cullitons score in this time to the House of Blessing.

To participate, please stop by the pledge table in the Allman Arena lobby on December 4th, 11th and 18th or by calling Cullitons Chaplain Dan Bowyer at 519-271-4527.

UPDATE ADDED JANUARY 2016 We are pleased to announce that the Stratford Cullitons Hockey for Hunger Challenge in December resulted in 86 donors pledging at total of $3180 to the Stratford House of Blessing!  St. Paul's Anglican Church started the fundraiser last season and its congregation raised $2000.  This year, individuals were challenged to pledge $1 and businesses $5 for every Culliton's goal bewteen December 4 and 18th.   Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraiser!

In December 2011, "Blue Sky - White Snow"... a reproduction of a 6 x 12 foot oil canvas painting by award winning Canadian Artist, Gary McLaughlin... was  raffled off to support the Stratford General Hospital Foundation and the Stratford Atom MD Warriors! Toronto Maple Leaf tickets and an autographed NHL jersey were the second the third prizes respectively.  Thank you to everyone who supported these very worthy causes!

1st PRIZE — "Blue Sky - White Snow":  Wendy Dupuis, New Liskeard

2nd PRIZE — Two Toronto Maple Leaf Tickets:  Dr. Sean Blaine, Stratford

3rd PRIZE — NHL Autographed Jersey:  Mike Monaghan, Woodstock

Help save children’s lives!

Crosby’s Challenge is a matching fundraising campaign in support of Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre and the Children’s Health Research Institute.  Last year Crosby Culliton of Stratford finished his treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and he’s doing great! 

His challenge:  help Children’s Hospital raise money for 25 new monitors to help critically ill newborns.

www.crosbyschallenge.ca

On Sunday November 20, Cullitons Ray Huether, Jared Culliton, Shane O'Brien and Taylor Dupuis helped coordinate
a skills competition for the SMHA Atom MD team coached by Bill Boon.

Above, Ray Huether cheers on racing goalies, Taylor Dupuis and Patrick McIsaac.

For more photos, visit our PHOTOS tab.

An all-time favourite in Stratford, Teddy Bear Night!

With the team trailing 2-0 against the Elmira Sugar Kings (14-1-0) at the Allman Arena — and the biggest regular season
crowd in years dying to toss stuffed animals onto the ice — Steve Dol set the arena buzzing!

The 20-year-old centre fired a rocket of a wrist shot over the shoulder of Elmira goalkeeper Nick Horrigan on a powerplay
at 13:34 of the opening frame, triggering a shower of teddy bears and a comeback by the Stratford Cullitons, who earned an
exciting 3-2 win over the defending Sutherland Cup champion Sugar Kings.

Stratford Motor Products, the official sponsor of the event, gathered up the large collection of stuffed animals with the help of the
Stratford Warriors Dunny's Source for Sports Atom MD team.  An annual event, the stuffed animals are donated to the
Huron Perth Children's Aid Society.

Above, Culliton Shane O'Brien works with some of Scotiabank's Major Peewee Rep players as part of the Stratford Minor Hockey Association (SMHA)  Skills Clinics.  Clincs run November through December and all SMHA teams participate under the guidance of former Culliton, Mike McLeod.  Below, Cullitons Jared Culliton and Steven Dol guide players through their drills and Mike McLeod describes the upcoming drills.