Ontario Junior Hockey League resident reporter Ron Valentine is profiling the 2020-21 team captains of The OJ this fall.

BY RON VALENTINE

The Wellington Dukes, winners of the East Division of the OJHL last season, have named blueliner BEN ADDISON as their captain for the 2020-21 campaign. It will be the Uxbridge native's third season in a Dukes uniform and the last in the OJHL for the 20-year-old.

In his first term in Wellington colours, Ben played 41 regular season games without finding the net but he did score his first OJHL goal in the playoffs and then in 2019-20 he had eight goals and 33 assists from the point.

"I had a lot more confidence and took on a much larger role and got confidence to make the plays I made in midget (U18)." Ben noted. 

He played two seasons at the midget level for the Central Ontario Wolves based in Port Perry.

"I learned a lot from Brad Bricknell and Clair Cornish there,” he said. “I was named captain and the second season at that level really stood me in good stead to advance to junior." 

Cornish took to Twitter to congratulate Addison and send a message.

“For parents/players questioning rushing the process – study this guy!” he wrote on @turkjr19. “Research his development curve, ask how he bet on himself and owned his own development.”

Tyler Brown, social media director for the Dukes, concurs. "Ben's development is an example of the road less travelled but his commitment to getting better every day shows and he is a leader on the ice and an outstanding human being off the ice taking time to talk to fans and kids. He is always smiling and says hello to everyone. I have great stories about his kindness and compassion."

One of the highlights last season in the OJHL was the season-long battle between the Dukes and the Trenton Golden Hawks in the East with Wellington finally prevailing by four points.

"Two teams with great fans,” Ben said. “We always circle those dates on the calendar. It was great to win the division title but sad the season ended so abruptly."

"It's great playing for Todd Reid (GM), (former Coach) John Druce and Derek Smith (Head Coach). Last season we had two great captains in Ryan Smyth and Ben Evans and I'm really looking forward to all the challenges of wearing the 'C'. The culture of the Dukes is really special and you get really involved in the local community."

"If I was to describe myself as a player I would like to think I have developed good hockey sense, stay in the right positions, use my tenacity as a smaller defenceman and that I'm able to move the puck quickly up ice with timely passes. I'm also not afraid to get into the corners. If I had to name a person I model myself on it would be Kris Letang (the long-time Pittsburgh Penguins' blueliner).

“We have not really had the chance to get together as a team so far but I know that the guys coming back will be strong and we will have a lot of promising rookies so I'm super excited for things to get going again. Nothing is guaranteed at camp so the competition for spots will be high."

Ben would like to follow in the footsteps of many Dukes' grads who have obtained scholarships at a high level.

"Frank Vitucci is the latest and I want to put the work in so that I can fit in next season, hopefully with a Division 1 team but having said that I can't wait to get going on this season whatever it might look like."

When not following his major passion, hockey, Ben is an avid golfer. "I've been able to get out at least a couple of times a week and it helps me keep in shape."

When he's home he snuggles up to Lucy – his pet Black Lab. 

"I finished high school at home and I'm working right now so I'm always busy", he notes.

Coach Derek Smith had this to say about the new captain: "Addy' exemplifies what it means to be a Duke. He conducts himself in a professional manner at the rink and is a great role model in the community. Ben is the kind of person that our players look up to with his work ethic and team-first mentality. Since he arrived in Wellington, his development as a person and as a player has put him in the position where he can be our leader on the ice and in the room.

With Ben's leadership and a strong supporting cast Dukes' fans will be looking forward to another successful season.

Follow Ron Valentine on Twitter @ronandlynda

Photo by Amy Deroche of OJHL Images