The Kingston Frontenacs enter the 2026-27 season looking to take another step forward after finishing last year with a 33-30-3-2 record, good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Despite icing a young group, Kingston earned a spot in the postseason before falling to the Ottawa 67’s in four games in the opening round.
The Frontenacs showed plenty of depth throughout the season, with nine different players reaching the 30-point mark, while establishing themselves as one of the league’s most disciplined teams. A number of younger players were given larger roles as the season progressed, providing valuable experience that Kingston will look to build on this year.
One of the club’s biggest strengths entering the new season is between the pipes. Matthew Minchak and Gavin Betts return after forming a strong tandem last season. Minchak also heard his name called by the Vegas Golden Knights in the sixth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
Starting Six:
* The Starting Six does not represent a projected lineup, but instead highlights six key players to watch entering the 2026-27 season.
FORWARD | Alex McLean
2025-26: 57 GP, 11G, 34A, 45 PTS
Acquired from the Guelph Storm at the trade deadline, Alex McLean quickly became an important piece of Kingston’s forward group. He finished the season as the Frontenacs’ leading scorer with 45 points in 57 games. Despite being one of the younger players on the roster, McLean took on increased responsibility as the season progressed and will look to build off that experience heading into 2026-27. Originally selected ninth overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, McLean added two points in four postseason games.
FORWARD | Aleks Kulemin
2025-26: 57 GP, 11G, 20A, 31 PTS
Aleks Kulemin made an immediate impact during his first season in Kingston, scoring his first career OHL goal just five games into the campaign. After beginning the year on the fourth line, Kulemin continued to earn more responsibility before becoming part of the Frontenacs’ “kid line,” which developed into a go-to unit for Head Coach Troy Mann. He finished his rookie season with 11 goals and 31 points in 57 games and represented Team Canada White at the 2025 U17 World Challenge before suiting up for Canada at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Kulemin enters the season eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.
FORWARD | Nolan Snyder
2025-26: 68 GP, 16G, 17A, 33 PTS
Selected 158th overall in the eighth round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Nolan Snyder quickly proved he could make an impact in Kingston. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native recorded 16 goals and 33 points while appearing in all 68 games during his rookie season, earning a spot alongside Aleks Kulemin on the Frontenacs’ “kid line.” Snyder carried that momentum into the summer, representing the United States at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he recorded a goal and two assists for three points.
DEFENCEMAN | Vann Williamson
2025-26: 68 GP, 3G, 34A, 37 PTS
Vann Williamson had previously committed to Clarkson University following the 2025-26 campaign but elected to continue his OHL career in Kingston for one final season. Selected by the Frontenacs in the fourth round (74th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Williamson recorded a career-high 37 points (3-34–37) last season and was named the 48th captain in franchise history following the 2026 OHL trade deadline.
DEFENCEMAN | Andre Mondoux
2025-26: 66 GP, 6G, 12A, 18 PTS
A steady and reliable presence on the Kingston blue line, Andre Mondoux earned recognition throughout the season for his strong defensive instincts, physical play and leadership qualities. His consistency at both ends of the ice made him a key contributor for the Frontenacs and ultimately caught the attention of the New York Rangers, who selected him in the sixth round (132nd overall) of the 2026 NHL Draft. Mondoux finished the season with a team-leading plus-19 rating and was a finalist for the 2026 Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award.
GOALTENDER | Gavin Betts
2025-26: 43 GP, 2.81 GAA, .905 SV%
Gavin Betts took another step forward in his first full OHL season, appearing in a team-leading 43 games while sharing the crease with Matthew Minchak. The 2024 second-round pick emerged as Kingston’s go-to option down the stretch, finishing the year with a 2.81 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. His strong season earned him an invitation to Tampa Bay Lightning Development Camp earlier this summer, giving him an opportunity to gain experience at the professional level.
Away from the crease, Betts was also named the recipient of the 2026 Dayna Brons Honorary Award for his work as a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador, using his platform to promote blood, stem cell, organ and tissue donation throughout the Kingston community.
Breakout Watch:
Alex Misiak – LW
2025-26: 59 GP, 12G, 26A, 38 PTS
Acquired by Kingston from the Erie Otters at the trade deadline, Alex Misiak made an impact after joining the Frontenacs, recording 20 points (6-14–20) following the move, including a team-leading seven power-play goals. The 6-foot forward was in his first OHL season after being selected 32nd overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft and finished the year with 38 points in 59 games. Misiak also represented Slovakia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, recording an assist in four games.
“Misiak was a great addition to our lineup after we acquired him from Erie at the trade deadline last season. After getting comfortable with us, he was one of our better forwards down the stretch. After an offseason of growth and a full Training Camp with our organization, we expect him to have a breakout 19-year-old season.” – General Manager Kory Cooper
Matt Henderson – D
2025-26: 63 GP, 2G, 16A, 18 PTS
Selected in the first round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Matt Henderson steadily earned more responsibility throughout his rookie season in Kingston. After moving throughout the lineup early in the year, the smooth-skating defenceman found a home alongside overager Will Bishop and finished the season with 18 points in 63 games. As the year progressed, Henderson earned time on the Frontenacs’ second power-play unit and was trusted in more high-pressure situations, including during Kingston’s first-round playoff series against Ottawa.
Henderson also gained valuable international experience, recording six points in five games while helping Team Canada White capture silver at the 2025 U17 World Challenge before representing Canada at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
“Henderson quietly had a great year of development with us, gaining more trust and ice time as the year went on. He was among the best D at breaking the puck out of our zone and is a really strong skater. He’s put on some size this offseason, and we’re excited to see the jump in his game heading into this season.” – General Manager Kory Cooper
Futures Watch:
Get to know the next wave of Frontenacs talent by revisiting Kingston’s 2026 draft class and new additions in our Futures Watch feature.
The Outlook:
After gaining valuable experience with a young group last season, the Frontenacs enter 2026-27 with an opportunity to take another step in the Eastern Conference. Several players return after strong rookie campaigns, while others are poised to take on larger roles as Kingston continues to develop its young core.
With depth up front, an experienced blue line bolstered by the addition of Los Angeles Kings prospect Adam Goljer, and a strong tandem returning between the pipes, Kingston has pieces in place throughout the lineup. After getting a taste of postseason hockey last spring, the Frontenacs will look to turn that experience into a climb up the Eastern Conference standings.
Opening Night:
Thursday, September 19
Peterborough Petes | 7:05 p.m.
Peterborough Memorial Centre
