PJHL Preview: Radars embracing return to Clinton

CLINTON – Four years ago, Clinton lost its Radars.

September 28, 2022, was the day the Clinton Radars informed the Western Ontario Athletic Association (WOAA) the organization would be taking a leave of absence for the senior hockey season.

But when it was all said and done, there was no league to come back to.

In August 2023, 10 WOAA senior teams left the league, forming the new Ontario Elite Hockey League and leaving the Radars on a permanent hiatus.

Three years later, the legacy lives on.

Clinton now has its Radars back in the form of a Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) relocation, which moved the Goderich Flyers 20 minutes down the road.

Team president and general manager Ryan Olmstead said the community support has been astounding.

“It’s pretty cool to bring the name back, even at a junior level. We’ve already noticed a huge amount of support we’re getting, and everybody around the community seems really pumped to get this thing going,” he said.

After requesting a leave of absence for the 2025-26 season, the Goderich Flyers team was relocated to Clinton after citing concerns with player recruitment.

Olmstead addressed the move, saying he doesn’t anticipate another leave.

“I think we’re here for the long haul. In Goderich, we had good community support and we had some good years. Unfortunately, I think it just ran its course, and like any other business or sustainability plan, you have to look at other options,” he added.

Olmstead knew that Clinton’s history in hockey made it an easy target for a franchise.

“Knowing the history of the Clinton Radars, and the community support, winning traditions and championships they had all those years, it just made sense,” he said.

Olmstead is hoping the community hype will lead to packed seats.

“We have an idea in our mind as to how excited the community is. . . . We see that excitement, and we just want to see that all come to fruition at our home opener,” he said.

The Radars will play in the PJHL’s North Pollock division, setting up rivalries with the Mitchell Hawks and Wingham Ironmen.

Besides the Schmalz Cup, Olmstead stated that the Radars’ biggest goal is to compete, and he believes they have the firepower to do just that.

“We want to be in the middle of the pack as a first-year team and stay competitive each and every night. Our fans come to expect a good hockey game, and not to see a blowout. We’ve signed a lot of good talent so far from experienced Junior B guys that have come down to the Junior C level, to AAA kids that have graduated to junior hockey.

“We’ve got a really good foundation to be competitive for our first year,” he said.

Olmstead thanked the sponsors and fans for helping bring Radars hockey back to “Canada’s Home of Radar.”

“Thank you for all the commitment from our sponsors, who have stepped up to help support this program in its inaugural season. It’s just a big thanks, and those thank yous will continue into the season when everybody comes out to the first game,” he said.

The Radars will host the defending Schmalz Cup champion Fergus Whalers for their home opener at the Central Huron Community Centre on Sept. 18. Puck drop is set for 8:30 p.m.

The Radars start their season on the road, taking on the Mount Forest Patriots on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.