ESSEX WELCOMES NEW PLAYERS TO TEAM FOR UPCOMING SEASON

The Essex 73’s have been busy in the off-seaon adding key players to the team in anticipation of the 2026-27 Provincial Junior Hockey League season.

New to the team this season thus far are Adrian Bosev, Josh Harding, Josh Lepain, Nash Giles, Justin Shaw and Jake Vancoillie.

Bosev spent his entire junior career with the Leamington Flyers, where he was a key contributor to the team’s success, including capturing the Sutherland Cup Championship during the 2022-23 season. He also played an important role as the organization transitioned from the GOJHL to the OJHL and served as team captain last season.

A proven leader both on and off the ice, Adrian brings valuable experience, character, and skill to our lineup.

Harding is a 2006 Defenceman who played the last 3 seasons with the Chatham Maroons which included a Sutherland Cup Championship in 2024-2025.

In Lepain, the 73's get a 2006 scoring forward who was drafted in 2022 in the 5th round by the London Kinghts and has four years of Junior B experience, most recently with the Lasalle Vipers.

Giles was aquired in a trade with the Dundas Blues. The 20-year old is a big frame, measuring 6'-3" in height, and is considered a power forward.

Shaw is just 16 years old and is coming off an outstanding season with the Riverside Rangers U18, where he recorded 74 goals and 50 assists for 124 points in 60 games. His offensive production, work ethic, and scoring touch should be a great addition to the 73's lineup.

Vancoillie comes over from Blenhein in exchange for Jaxen Fortier Smith and Drew Ferenc. The overager is considered one of the best - if not the best - goaltender in the Stobbs Division. Entering his sixth season of junior hockey, Vancoillie has a .912 save percentage over 151 regualr season and playoff games.

With signings also comes departures.

Andrew Baker moves on to the Chatham Maroons after one season with the 73's as a 16-year old, and goaltenders Birk Cassels and Tomas Kniaziew have also moved on. Cassels is pursuing opportunities in the United States, while Kniaziew has signed with the Leamington Flyers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Players expected to return ahead of main camp in a few weeks are defencmen Austin Wright, Joey Gaudet, William Claridge, Matthew Cole, Mitchell Hickson and Gavin Gaudet.

Up front the 73's will get back Noah Matheson, Austin Guevremont, Travis Rivest, Cael McCabe, Marcus Levesque, Wyatt Goudie, Jack Lewis, Ethan O'Neil.

Exiting due to age are Luke Sherk, Gabe Barrette, Carter Dembinski, Connor Hunt and Seth Martineau.