Former Frontenac recalls fond memories of Kingston in his return game

Tyler Hopkins was on the visitors bench as the Guelph Storm took on the Frontenacs on New Year's Eve.

It's been a week since a trade that sent Tyler Hopkins to the Guelph Storm, something that the former Kingston Frontenac is still getting used to.

Hopkins along with another former Frontenac, Ethan Miedema, were on the ice at Slush Puppie Place last Wednesday, this time as opponents.

The Kingston Frontenacs defeated the Guelph Storm 5–3 on New Year’s Eve in a game that came only days after Kingston sent forward Hopkins to Guelph in exchange for Alex McLean, making it just the second game for both players with their new teams. 

The timing meant Hopkins faced the Frontenacs almost immediately after leaving the team he spent one and a half season with.

Hopkins recorded one assist in the second period, helping tie the game with 20 seconds left before the intermission. 

He later said it felt strange playing against Kingston after so many seasons, adding that the city and organization remained important to him and his family.

Frontenacs captain Jacob Battaglia said Hopkins had been his best friend on the team and described the move as part of the business side of hockey. 

He also praised McLean's skills on the ice.

Battaglia and head coach Troy Mann both praised McLean’s early impact. 

Mann said McLean brought experience and versatility, noting he had played multiple positions in the past and that the coaching staff planned to experiment with where he fit best.

Kingston also broke through on the power play, scoring after going 0-for-28 over its previous 12 games, a goal that helped the Frontenacs build momentum in the New Year’s Eve victory.

Story by Alyssa Brush