Uxbridge Bruins hit the ice for a very special year

Roger Varley

After the summer hiatus, the Uxbridge Bruins are back in action this week, but local fans can be forgiven if there is some confusion.

The Bruins have their first face-off of the 2026-27 season in Clarington tonight (Thursday) when they play against the Eagles. Where confusion might come in is at the Bruins' home opener tomorrow night (Friday) when the local lads meet . . . the Scarborough Knights!

There has been no word from the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) all summer that there would be changes to the make-up of the PJHL's Orr Division. Indeed, just two days before the Bruins' season opener, the PJHL has still not put out a schedule for the season. Fans are left to wonder whether the Orr Division will be losing a team to make way for the Scarborough Knights.

This season will mark the 50th year the Bruins have been strapping on the skates and the club will tout the occasion in a few ways. The Bruins will be returning to their old, less aggressive, bear logo and players will wear a commemorative patch on their uniforms. As well, the Bruins' annual golf tournament will be held on Saturday.

New president Erin Arsenault said this summer that there will be a number of other occasions to recognize the 50-year mark.

After their successful season last year, in which the won the division championship and division playoffs, the team is bringing back its entire coaching staff, led by head coach Dan West. He will be joined by assistant coaches Jon Campbell and Andrew Swan, trainer Payton Dowson and equipment manager Spencer Mazakian, and, of course, Corey Stemp, who has been with the team for decades.