2026-27 PROSPECT’S CAMP RECAP
More than 60 players took their first step toward earning a spot with the Trenton Golden Hawks this weekend as the organization held its annual Spring Prospect Camp at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre.
The three-day camp saw four teams of prospects compete in a series of practices and scrimmages, giving the coaching staff and management an early look at players who could factor into the club’s future plans.
The weekend also gave players their first chance to meet new head coach Connor Armour and learn more about the organization. “It’s exciting to see all these young kids come in,” Armour said. “This is kind of their first step toward their goals.” The reigning OJHL Coach of the Year joined the Golden Hawks this April following successful stops in Cobourg and Pickering. Armour said one of the biggest lessons for prospects is understanding just how difficult it is to earn a roster spot. “I think the biggest takeaway, and I talked to the guys about this too, is just how hard it is,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a tight camp with only so many roster spots available, and they have to separate themselves and put themselves in a position to earn one.”
The camp opened Friday evening with a session led by Golden Hawks goaltending coach Mike Murphy. He worked with a group that included several local netminders from the Quinte region. Murphy said camps like these give young athletes a feel for the pace and expectations of Junior A hockey while allowing coaches to evaluate potential talent.
“It’s really important. They get to come out here and gain some confidence through this experience,” he said. “Overall, I thought they were really good.”
Several returning Golden Hawks also took part throughout the weekend, including veteran forward Wyatt Gregory. The Kingston native, who is entering his overage season with the club, understands how important these camps are. “When I was young, and all the returning players would come to camp, I was excited just to play with them,” Gregory said. “Now being in this position, I’m just going to give them little tips and advice and help them figure things out.”
With the prospect camp now complete, players will spend the summer preparing for training camp as the Golden Hawks continue building their roster for the 2026–27 season.
