Young, talented X-Men readying for AUS hockey season  

By Corey LeBlanc

ANTIGONISH – Although STFX X-Men fans may need to keep their programs handy early on – considering the program will feature 11 new student-athletes – veteran Head Coach Brad Peddle expects the White and Blue to improve steadily and make their mark in another highly-competitive Atlantic University Sport (AUS) hockey season.

"We have a lot of work to do, but there is plenty of talent on this team," he said.

Peddle added, of his 2024-25 roster, "There is no doubt that we are going to have one of the youngest groups that we have had in a long time."

But, with youth – the former X-Men defenseman noted, comes "plenty of energy and enthusiasm."

Describing "a lot of excitement" around the program, Peddle said, "Everyone is working hard."

Considering the X-Men, who finished third in the AUS regular season standings last year – before being eliminated by Moncton in a conference semi-final series, have graduated myriad talent and experience, including their top-four scorers from 2023-24 – Matthew Struthers, Liam Hawel, Jacob Hudson and Declan Smith – Peddle said he and his coaching staff will have "to do everything as a team."

"We cannot be outworked, if we want to be successful," he added.

To achieve that, Peddle noted, STFX must be "blue collar and gritty," which have been key ingredients for the perennial AUS contenders over the past couple of decades.

The pieces

Even though, after five varsity seasons, Joseph Raaymakers is no longer in the crease, the X-Men will feature plenty of experience and skill between the pipes, starting with the returning tandem of Ewan MacDonald (Antigonish, NS) and Lucas Pfiel (Owen Sound, ON).

"He has a great work ethic," Peddle offered of newcomer Patrick Leaver (Perth, ON), who anchored the young Saint John Sea Dogs last season in the QMJHL.

Noting that the AUS is a "tough league for any goalie," Peddle is confident in this position for the White and Blue.

The X-Men goaltending trio will team up with a defense corps that boasts six returnees, which he noted is the "most veteran" unit on the roster.

Charlie Callaghan (Toronto, ON), who is the top returning X-Men point-getter – with 21 points, and Raegan Wiles (Calgary, AB) are back for their sophomore campaigns. Callaghan garnered a spot on the 2023-24 AUS all-rookie team.

"They were two of the best freshman defensemen in the conference last season," Peddle offered.

Sean Stewart (Antigonish, NS), Shawn Spearing (Toronto, ON), Clark Webster (Kensington, PE) and Mark Woolley (St. Thomas, ON) will also be patrolling the STFX blue line.

Even with that depth on the backend, Peddle noted, "We knew we needed to add some guys."

OHL graduates Simon Motew (Highland Park, IL) and Owain Johnston (Toronto, ON) will don the White and Blue.

"They are two very good 'D' who can contribute on both ends of the ice," Peddle said of the right-shot defensive duo.

Noting the forward talent, including "high-end scorers," no longer in the X line-up, he explained it will take a "group effort" to garner offensive success.

Peddle added there are several who will have "to step up in an expanded role," including Zack Trott (Mulmur, ON), Logan Chisholm (Antigonish, NS), Jacob Stewart (Antigonish, NS) and Connor Roberts (Owen Sound, ON).

To help bolster that forward group, the X-Men have added – as he described – a trio of "proven point producers" from the OHL: Alex Christopoulos (Richmond Hill, ON), Jacob Maillet (Dundas, ON) and Ethan Burroughs (Georgetown, ON).

"We are expecting them to make an immediate impact," Peddle said.

Cole Stewart (Moncton, NB), who comes in with three years of experience at the U SPORTS level with Nipissing, is another new face at forward.

"We definitely have a lot of talent," Peddle added, noting that the newcomers have not only improved their depth, but also infused "skills and speed" to the line-up.

Noting that first-year players "can make a difference," he explained, adding that bringing in 11 new faces – no matter the talent level – "is a lot."

When it comes to expectations for the White and Blue this season, Peddle stressed the focus is on – as always for the X-Men program – playing to a "high standard."

"We are really worrying about now," he explained, cautioning about not looking too far ahead with a new line-up.

Peddle offered that the focus will be on helping the new student-athletes make the transition to playing at the AUS level in the first half, while also taking the needed steps to help the new-look line-up gel, with an eye to starting to peak in the second half when – as he described – "when things really start to heat up" in the conference.

"Everyone who makes the playoffs has a chance," he noted of working towards the goal of capturing an AUS banner.

When asked if he anticipates another competitive conference campaign, Peddle admitted to repeating a theme he has offered during his head coaching career with the X-Men, one that is entering its 20^th season.

"There are no easy nights in the AUS."

The X-Men will drop the puck on the 2024-25 regular season with roads games versus Moncton (Friday, Oct. 4), the defending AUS and U SPORTS champion UNB Reds (Saturday, Oct. 5) and Saint Mary's Huskies (Thursday, Oct. 10).

STFX will host the Acadia Axemen in their home opener on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m., at the Keating Centre.

For more information on everything X-Men hockey, visit goxgo.ca.

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