New general manager, new head coach, and truly a new era of Niagara IceDogs hockey has begun.
After hosting a Summer Fan Fest on Saturday, the IceDogs began their training camp with recently drafted players and invited rookies hitting the ice Monday at Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines.
Niagara general manager Dale DeGray looks forward to finding potential diamonds in the rough at camp.
“The big thing for me is opening hour, opening day when the kids are on the ice, and seeing a kid that was maybe an invite and saying that kid really has a chance to play, and make this team,” said DeGray who brought in head coach Jake Grimes.
Both have extensive experience in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), DeGray as general manager with the Owen Sound Attack for the past 19 seasons, and Grimes most recently with the Memorial Cup winning Saginaw Spirit in 2024 as Associate Coach.
Wednesday is an off-day before main camp, with invitees from rookie camp, begins Thursday.
Thursday also features a new initiative brought forth by the club, a Town Hall where fans and season ticket holders can ask questions of DeGray, Grimes and Jason Diplock, OHL Senior Director of League Development, who has been appointed to oversee the restructuring and day-to-day operations of the IceDogs.
The Town Hall will run from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, also at Meridian Centre.
The following is the schedule for Niagara IceDogs Training Camp this week:
ROOKIE CAMP | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Team 2 vs. Team 1 Scrimmage
Meridian Centre
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage
Meridian Centre
MAIN CAMP | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage
Meridian Centre
3:00 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
Team 1 vs. Team 2 Scrimmage
Meridian Centre
TOWN HALL – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Can’t make it? Fans can tune into YourTV Niagara to watch the full Town Hall.
MAIN CAMP | FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
9:50 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Team 2 vs. Team 1 Scrimmage
Meridian Centre
6:00 p.m. – 7:20 p.m.
RED/WHITE SCRIMMAGE
Meridian Centre
The IceDogs open their exhibition schedule at home next Thursday night, September 3 at 7 pm against the Oshawa Generals. Their regular season home opener is set for Saturday September 19 against the Brampton Steelheads, also at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now.
Visit niagaraicedogs.net for more information.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
