The St. Thomas Stars are entering a bold new chapter as the Junior B hockey club unveiled a revamped coaching staff and a wave of new player signings ahead of the 2025–26 GOJHL season.
Former NHLer and Stanley Cup champion Jason Williams takes over as head coach, filling the void left by Dave Matsos, who advanced to the OHL’s Sarnia Sting.
Williams brings significant coaching pedigree to the bench, having led the Strathroy Rockets to a standout season that earned him the GOJHL Coach of the Year title in 2023–24.
Joining Jason is his brother Darren Williams as assistant coach, continuing a successful coaching partnership built over the past three seasons in Strathroy.
Assistant coach Joe Doyle also returns, bringing consistency and a proven track record of developing players for the OHL.
Rounding out the bench is new goaltending coach Owen Willmore—a Stars alum who just wrapped up his OHL career with the London Knights, capturing a league title and the Dave Pinkney Award.
In addition to changes behind the bench, the Stars have also been busy shaping their on-ice lineup with a mix of rising talent and experienced junior players.
Four players from the championship-winning Elgin Middlesex Canucks U18 squad are among the newest signings:
- Chase Pettipiece (Merlin, ON): Led the AAA U18 Alliance in scoring and was drafted 8th overall in the 2025 OHL U18 Priority Selection by the Flint Firebirds.
- Dylan Durno (London, ON): Goalie with an eye-popping 0.83 GAA and 9 shutouts; selected by the Owen Sound Attack in 2024.
- George Matsos (St. Thomas, ON): Son of former coach Dave Matsos, the forward brings hometown pride and offensive production; drafted by the Windsor Spitfires in 2024.
- Luke Wachowiak (London, ON): A mobile defenseman with strong offensive instincts; selected by the Niagara IceDogs in 2024.
The Stars have also added:
- Eric McDonald (Mount Brydges, ON): A 19-year-old netminder with two standout seasons for the Dorchester Dolphins in the PJHL.
- Myles Dunn (Lambeth, ON): Just 15 years old, the gifted forward racked up 78 points last season and was picked by the Sarnia Sting in the 2025 OHL Draft.
- Logan Jackson (Barrie, ON): A towering forward with a knack for scoring, Jackson brings size and skill to the Stars’ offensive lineup.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on the St. Thomas Stars upcoming 2025-26 season.
Written by: K. Freeman with files from Phil Pimentel
