The Fort Erie Falcons have been very busy this off-season as they build towards their Kehler Cup title defence in 2025-26.
In free agency, the Falcons added defenders Drew Doughty and Brenden Dillon in the opening round. Also signed in the opening round is goaltender Cam Talbot who is expected to backup Mackenzie Blackwood this upcoming season.
Last year's goaltenders UPL and Thatcher Demko remain on the team but will have to work their way into the mix given their ratings decline. The team also signed Cayden Primeau who will serve as the fifth goaltender in the organization and provide a potential backup as he develops moving forward.
The word around the CCHL is that Doughty chose Fort Erie due to their winning pedigree and the fact that it's close to his Niagara Falls home - where he's played as a member of the Thunder his entire CCHL career until now. With financial question marks surrounding the Thunder, Doughty took his talents south to the border town where he'll spend a lot of this season rehabbing an injury before eventually filling a void full-time in 26-27.
The Falcons weren't done there also adding Carter Verhaeghe for Gustav Forsling and Matt Duchene for a package including Jamie Benn. Overall, the league's most dangerous offence last year has become more dangerous for the upcoming seaosn.
Sam Bennett will not return as he was moved to New Mexico for the 10th overall pick in 2025.
With the draft around the corner and Fort Erie having six of the first 33 selections, the team will begin their scouting meetings this week to discuss strategy for the upcoming draft in June.
It's been a busy time for the Falcons following their Kehler Cup victory but something tells me the team much prefers the shorter turnaround time and the taste of championship champagne.
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