Siskins turn back the clock, returning to its roots

The countdown is on to the start of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League regular season.

Siskin fans will notice something a little bit different, but long-time fans will certainly recognize the change. The club has announced it will once again be known as the Waterloo Siskins.

When the Kitchener Dutchman franchise folded in 2020, the Siskins adopted the K.W. moniker.

Siskins General Manager Brian Huddle stopped by The Mike Farwell Show and said this is not a rebrand.

“This was a recommitment back to the history of Waterloo. The history of twelve Sutherland Cups. But also, a recommitment to the community and the alumni.”

Huddle said it was those past players that helped push for the name change.

“The alumni were very, very vocal at our 90th celebration back in January about their desire to have that comeback, that Waterloo Siskins was important to them. We do believe the alumni are the lifeblood of our organization.”

The Siskins finished third in the Western Conference last season. With some solid off-season signings and returning players taking the next step in their development, hopes are high for another strong season.

Huddle did mention that while the team is committed to this community and has many players from Waterloo Region, some of those new players are from out of town, and they’ll need a place to stay.

“We’re in urgent need of some billets,” said Huddle. “We have some guys who are really good hockey players that we’re looking to place into homes as they get ready to move in the next few days.”

Huddle said they were in need of at least one billet family.

The Waterloo Siskins have two more pre-season games before the open the regular season on the road, September 13 against the Komoka Kings.

The home opener the following evening, a traditional Sunday night game against the London Nationals.