Written By Jan Sims
SPORTS - The puck is set to drop on a new season for the Komoka Kings. The team opens on home ice for its 2025-2026 season at the Komoka Wellness Centre September 13th, when they take on the Waterloo Siskins.
“My coaching staff’s focus at the start of the season is to get off to a strong start, and helping our young first year players get comfortable with the league,” says Head Coach Johnny Warren.
It’s Warren’s first season behind the Kings bench as head coach, but he brings a lot of experience to the job including seven years with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks. Warren was also part of the team that helped the London Knights to a recent Memorial Cup victory. “I’d describe my coaching style as a tactical approach, as well as relationship building to get the most out of my players,” says Warren.
The Kings are coming off a disappointing 2024-2025 season, finishing last in their division with a 5 and 42 win-loss record. This year, they’re hoping to turn things around. “We have been working hard throughout the summer getting our players familiar with the new systems, so we’re ready as soon as the regular season starts. With the changes we’ve made I’m hoping we can establish a more winning culture on and off the ice,” says Warren.
The Kings have already started off on a winning note, with a pre-season 7-2 victory against Brantford on August 16th. “We have been able to sign and acquire some high character young players, that will help provide depth and complement our returning guys,” says Warren. “I’d say we’re pretty set with our roster right now. We’re more in the process of getting everyone familiar with each other and seeing who gels well playing with who,” adds Warren.
There are some strong teams the Kings will be up against this season, and Warren acknowledges they have to be ready to give it their all every game. “We’re going to be playing a fast style of hockey. Combining our skill with a strong work ethic, we will be playing an exciting and relentless game,” says Warren.
