The Picton Pirates are going grand and gaelic in their quest for talent in the 2025-26 season.

The local Provincial Junior Hockey Club has signed four players out of the Kingston AAA Jr. Gaels program. Pirates bench boss and General Manager Jamie Lane said the club’s spring mini camp paid instant dividends. While there’s still a few months before the club’s training camp in August, there’s some great excitement surrounding the organization after unearthing blue chip prospects.

“It was a great camp for us, we were able to identify some very solid talent for both the front and back ends of the lineup,” Mr. Lane said.

Wesley Jackson, Mathieu Petrut, Isaiah More and Maddox Dwyer will all wear the red,white and black of the Pirates organization next season.

Filling Out The Roster

Hailing from Harrowsmith, Mr. Jackson is described as a reliable 200-foot player who impresses with offensive instincts, relentless compete level, and natural leadership. Mr. Jackson fired home 8 goals and added a handful of helpers in his final season of minor hockey.

On the back end, Kingstonian Mathieu Petrut impressed Pirates brass by being a steady and intelligent presence on the back end.

“A smooth-skating defender with excellent vision and poise, Mathieu is known for his ability to make crisp, effective first passes and break plays out with control and confidence. Defensively, he brings a physical edge—making contact at every opportunity—and plays with a level of detail and maturity well beyond his age,” Mr. Lane said of the 17-year-old.

Picton also locked up lanky Isaiah Moore. The 6’2″ forward from Belleville suited up with Blyth Academy before joining the Jr. Gaels this past season. In his time with the Gaels, Mr. Moore lit the lamp eight times and added a half dozen assists in 22 contests. Coach lane noted Mr. Moore’s blazing speed, dynamic puck control, and electric shot that was displayed at camp.

“Isaiah is a game-breaker,” the coach added. “He has the size, speed, and hands to make something happen every time he touches the puck. We’re excited to add a player of his talent and potential to our roster. “

Finally, Picton picked up 6’3” Brighton native Maddox Dwyer. Just 17, the forward was a valuable cog for Kingston last season, proving his worth in the corners of the rink and in front of the opposition’s net.

“Maddox is the kind of player every team wants in their lineup,” added Coach Lane.. “He brings grit, size, and a team-first mentality. He’s tough to play against and has the ability to change the momentum of a game.”

Picton’s also rounded out its bench staff for the upcoming season. The club is bringing back Port Hope native and former County Kings coach Brant Legget for his second season on the Pirate ship. The club is also welcoming Jr. A coaching veteran Brian MacKenzie to the bench this season. Mr. MacKenzie, who’s had stops in Whitby, Haliburton and Welllington, will serve as assistant coach and assistant general manager.

Done Deal

In other Picton Pirates news, the locals swung a deal with Frankford, shipping Trevor Brooks and a Player Development Fee to the Huskies for County native Ben Smith.

In his rookie campaign playing for the Patcheyes, Mr. Brooks potted 14 goals and added 13 helpers in 37 games. However, the Frankford native sustained a serious knee injury playing soccer this spring and will be on the mend for considerable time.

Mr. Smith returns to the Pirates lineup for the first time since 21-22 when he picked up three points in five games as an affiliate from Prince Edward County Minor Hockey. The Consecon resident has 28 goals and 45 assists in 117 PJHL games.

Coach Lane said he was excited to reunite with Mr. Smith. The forward plated for a number of Kings teams skippered by the Picton bench boss.

“Whether it’s reading the play defensively, making smart decisions with the puck, or contributing offensively, Ben consistently finds ways to impact the game,” the coach noted. “With the ability to chip in on the scoresheet while maintaining strong positional play, he brings a balanced and mature game that coaches can trust.”

The club announced it’s accepted an invitation to take part in a Junior C preseason showcase hosted by the Frankford Huskies September 6 and 7. Also taking part in the four team tuneup are Napanee and Clarington. Games are two, 20 minute periods each and puck drops are slated for 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. each day at the Dr. McMullen Recreation Centre in Frankford.