As first round playoffs wrapped up in the OHL this past weekend, it spelled the end of the careers for a pair of local junior players. Over-agers Liam Maaskant and Jacob Ringuette now move on to the next stage of their hockey career.
A Clinton native, Maaskant finished his time as an OHL blue liner by serving as the captain of the Kitchener Rangers. Kitchener was eliminated by the London Knights in a 6 game series, putting an early end to Maaskant's season. The former Barrie Colt also played for the Erie Otters early on in a full 5-year career.
Maaskant also spent parts of two seasons with the Stratford Cullitons of the GOJHL and made the jump to junior after going through the Huron-Perth Lakers AAA program. He ends his OHL career with 191 regular season games and 31 points from the blue line.
For Goderich's Ringuette, his Saginaw Spirit were swept by the Soo Greyhounds in 4 games. Also a defenseman, Ringuette spent his whole career stateside, with 249 OHL games and 61 points over a 5-year junior career. He played in all 4 of his team's playoff games, with 1 assist.
The pair were part of a successful Huron Perth Lakers AAA group. Former teammate and fellow OHL'er Ray Huether will see his over-age season continue as his North Bay Battalion take on Barrie in the next round of playoffs. Five players from their Minor Midget Lakers Team would end up playing in the OHL.
