Second-year Spirit forward Riley Clark signed a scholarship and development agreement with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League Wednesday. (Photos/OJHL Images)
The Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League signed Spirit forward Riley Clark to an OHL scholarship and development agreement Wednesday.
Clark, 18, and the Frontenacs will host the Sudbury Wolves on Friday night. Sudbury features two of Clark’s Spirit’s teammates from last season, Nolan Jackson and Tayjon Street.
The Spirit (6-4-0-1) is home to the Toronto Patriots (7-3-0-0) tonight. Game time is 7:30 at the Stouffville Arena.
The OHL is one level above the Ontario Junior Hockey League, which the Spirit plays in
Clark was selected by the Frontenacs from the North York Rangers U18 team in the first round, fourth overall in the 2023 OHL U18 Priority Selection.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-shot forward from Toronto had seven goals and 12 assists in 44 games with the Spirit during the 2023-24 OJHL season. Through the Spirit’s first 11 games this year, he had three goals and three assists.
“Riley has been an absolute pleasure to be around and watch play,” said Spirit Assistant General Manager Thayne Hallyburton. “He had a great summer after a bit of an injury-plagued rookie year. He got stronger and has had a phenomenal start here, proving he was ready for the next level. We will miss him here, but very happy he is moving on to higher levels.”
“Riley has worked hard and earned this opportunity,” said Kingston General Manager Kory Cooper. “He fits in well with our team identity. He plays a physical game, and we expect him to continue doing that with the Frontenacs. He has a strong 200-foot game and gives us added depth with our forward group.”
“We love to see players taking steps, and Riley has shown that early on this season in Stouffville. This is another opportunity for him to take a step, and we think he is ready for the challenge.”
THE SKED
October 10, Toronto Patriots at Stouffville, 7:30 p.m.
October 11, Stouffville at St. Michael’s (Toronto) Buzzers, 7 p.m.
October 14, Pickering Panthers at Stouffville, 2:30 p.m.
All games are broadcast on 102.9FM whistlefm.ca radio and FloHockey TV https://www.flohockey.tv/leagues/10826657-ontario-junior-hockey-league-ojhl (subscription required).
THE SCORES
Oct. 3, Toronto Jr. Canadiens 3, Stouffville 2 OT
Goals by Max Davidson – his first in junior – and Ivan Mentiukov gave the Spirit a 2-1 lead. But Toronto tied the game with 32 seconds remaining in regulation before winning it in overtime.
Oct. 4, Niagara Falls Canucks 3, Stouffville 2.
Defenceman David Paglia scored and assisted on Evan Breckles’ goal for the Spirit.
NOTES: Paglia and Assistant Coach Rob Ascenzi were interviewed during a live broadcast of the Ken’s Korner Podcast at Boston Pizza in Stouffville Wednesday night. Also taking part were Spirit Director of Development Keith Acton, Spirit Director Jim Mason, Hockey Night In Canada legend Brian McFarlane and former CTV Toronto sports anchor turned podcaster Joe Tilley. All are Stouffville residents.
Check out the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@kenskornerpodcast
Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville and Sharon.
