Sieloff goes pro

By Mitchell Brandner

Defenceman Pat Sieloff will not be returning to the Windsor Spitfires and instead will play professional hockey for either the Calgary Flames or Abbotsford Heat.

Sieloff was one of Windsor’s best defencemen last season. Assistant coach Jerrod Smith said losing him will leave a big hole in their defence core.

“It’s a tough loss for us, no doubt about it,” said Smith. “He was one of the character players in our room and a true leader on and off the ice.”

Sieloff scored 11 points and won a gold medal at the World Junior Championships last season. While it may be difficult to fill the spot let by Sieloff, Smith said it can be done.

“It opens up a spot for a young kid to step in and log some minutes,” said Smith. “There’s a good chance for Graeme Brown and Patrick Sanvido this year.”

Sanvido is in his second year with the team and said the thought of having a more important role adds to the pressure.

“I was already putting pressure on myself this year,” said Sanvido. “I need to improve from last year at least. I want to be a top defender on the team and with Sieloff gone I need to step up even more.”

Defenceman Slater Koekkoek is another key member of the Spitfires defence core, and even as a veteran he said he feels added pressure with the departure of Sieloff.

“Obviously there’s going to be that hole that we have to fill,” said Koekkoek. “Being in my fourth year in the league I’ve worked for it and I think we can get things done.”

Sieloff was known for delivering big, open ice hits and playing an all-around physical game. The Spitfires will have to find a way to replace that physicality.

“He struck fear into opponents,” said Smith. “That’s something we’re going to miss for sure.”