About Us
Some Fun Facts about the Wellington Dukes and the OJHL:
1. As of July 2013, the TheHockeyWriters.com lists the OJHL as the 7th best developmental league, professional or amateur, in North America.
2. NHL Draft Prospects: This league is always good for two to five picks. Usually, these picks are in the mid to late rounds, but second and third rounders aren’t unheard of. The OJ also gets more NHL draft picks than any other Junior A league in the East. If a player warrants the NHL’s attention, they wouldn’t pass him up based on playing in this league.
3. Scholarship Potential: 4/5: A key advantage to playing in the OJHL is its proximity to American schools. There is no league in Canada that is closer to NCAA and NAIA programs. This is why the league gets the second-most scholarships in Canadian Junior A. On top of that, the league gets a fair amount of Division I scholarships to high-ranking schools. Where many leagues load up on Division III scholarships or full rides to lower-level NCAA schools, the OJ steps it up. The league is also right under the eyes of OHL. Some OHL teams use OJHL teams as affiliates to develop their prospects.
4. Wellington dukes Alumni include: Andrew Raycroft (NHL drafted by Boston Bruins) , Matt Cooke( NHL drafted by Vancouver Canucks) , Bryan Helmer ( NHL alumni and only jersey to ever be retired by Wellington), Brad Richardson (presently plays for LA Kings) , Sean Brown (first round pick for Boston Bruins) , Liam Reddox ( drafted by Edmonton Oilers), and Derek Smith (former Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames player)
The Wellington DUKES have always been involved in their community!. Community Involvement opportunities are coordinated by contacting the team, who will volunteer with community organizations, schools and service clubs to create successful community events . Participating in a variety of events, the DUKES are visible and involved in their community, raising the profile of the team. The 35 Community Involvement events coordinated last season reached thousands of people in our community, generated excellent media coverage, and made the DUKES ‘heroes’ to hundreds of kids. School based events were held at CML Snider School in Wellington, Queen Elizabeth School in Picton, and St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Picton. In addition to schools, a number of events were in support of community based organizations and service clubs. The Wellington Dukes are pleased to partner with the Wellington Legion in various events throughout the year, including participating in the Rememberance Day service. Looking ahead to the season, the Dukes want to build upon the success and continue with elementary school events, and add more ‘community service’ to the mix.
