The Stouffville Spirit have added a veteran piece to its 2024-25 roster.
Jacob Winsor, who has played in the past two Centennial Cup national championship tournaments, was obtained from the Collingwood Blues.
The 20-year-old defenceman from Newmarket reported to Stouffville this weekend. He’ll take part in his first practice today in preparation for Thursday’s home opener at the Stouffville Arena.
“We had great reports from everyone we talked to about Jacob,” said Spirit General Manager Kenny Burrows. “He’s a stay-at-home, defence-first player who has played in all situations.”
“He adds instant leadership and experience to our team. And that’s something we may have been short on in recent seasons.”
Winsor was on Collingwood’s 2024 Ontario Junior Hockey League and Centennial Cup title team.
He captained the Ottawa Jr. Senators to the tournament the year before.
“I’m excited for the opportunity here,” Winsor said. “I had a good season in Collingwood last year and another great one the year before in Ottawa.
“I’m looking to be a leadership guy in the room and have a great time with the guys this year. It’s looking like we have a pretty good team and that we can make a decent playoff run. Just itching to get on the ice, meet all the guys and play some hockey.”
Winsor knows Spirit veterans David Paglia and Riley Pope from playing against them in minor hockey. Winsor and Paglia train together during the off-season.
Going into his final year of junior eligibility, Winsor has sage advice for the youngsters on the Spirit roster.
“As much as it’s a big step and probably can seem overwhelming for them, the most important thing is to just soak in every moment,” he said. “I’m sure every other 20-year-old in the room can tell you they wish they could do it all over again. Just soaking in every moment, whether you have a good game or a bad game. Just be happy to be with the guys.
“The junior hockey experience is something a good amount of young guys in Canada get to experience but it goes by quickly. I want the young guys to know that as much as it is a job and you’re here to win, at the same time, enjoy every moment and have fun. It’s such a phenomenal experience.”
Before junior, Winsor played for the York Simcoe Express AAA program plus one year at The Hill Academy in Vaughan.
What should fans – and opposition forwards – expect from the blueliner?
“I’m very hard-nosed and I like to make life awful for the guys coming into my corner,” he said. “But I’m looking to be a bit more offensive this year and contribute to the team in any way possible.”
“I do enjoy doing a lot of the things most guys don’t, like blocking shots, taking hits, making the first pass… I take a lot of pride in that. It’s been instilled in me since I started playing junior.”
Winsor is also looking forward to the benefits of living 20 minutes from the home rink for the first time in his junior career.
“It’s nice to be local for once,” said Winsor, who hopes to get a U SPORTS commitment this season. “I get the best of both worlds, living at home, doing online classes and I get to play hockey here, so it’s pretty nice.”
A limited number of free tickets for Thursday’s game are available at the Fickle Pickle Restaurant, Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library, Boston Pizza, The Stouffville Market and Patti-Lynn Interiors. All thanks to the Spirit’s opening-night sponsor: Farmer Jacks.
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