Season 13 of the ODBHL marks a full decade since the South Esk Scotsmen last hoisted the league’s most coveted prize. Last year, they were heartbreakingly close—up three games to one in the conference finals. Many believe that one more win over the Oromocto Senators and red-hot Spencer Knight could have secured them their second ODBHL Cup, especially given how thoroughly Oromocto swept the Gretzky Conference champion Dorchester Devils.

Now, another season begins for a team defined by a blend of youthful promise and veteran leadership. The Scotsmen are more experienced across the board, though in a league like the ODBHL, time is a double-edged sword—some players grow into their prime, others start to lose a step. South Esk is determined to build on the momentum of their past two strong seasons, both ending just shy of glory.

On paper, the Scotsmen have a legitimate shot at winning the Lemieux Conference or, at minimum, securing home-ice advantage in the first round. They rank above league average at every position—except backup goalie. Every Scotsmen campaign begins in net, where GM and part-time goaltender Goodfellow still laces them up. The starter, Yaroslav Askarov, hasn’t yet cracked the league’s elite, but this might be his breakout year. With Spencer Knight reportedly dealing with offseason distractions, the door is open. Askarov is more seasoned, in peak physical shape, and showing a level of intensity previously unseen. He’s entering his prime, and this could be the leap forward fans have been waiting for.

On the blueline, Alexander Alexeyev sets the tone physically and anchors the top pair. Young defensemen Jake Sanderson and Bowen Byram are expected to take big steps in consistency, while veteran Rasmus Ristolainen, still effective at 35, provides a reliable presence on the second pair. Depth is a mixed bag: Shakir Mukhamadullin strengthens the third pairing, but Matt Benning and Kaedan Korczak raise concerns—particularly Korczak, who returned from the offseason looking sluggish and under-conditioned.

On the wings, Lucas Raymond appears more focused and seasoned, and Trevor Zegras joins the squad looking stronger than ever. Veterans Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov are aging, but even partial production compared to last season keeps South Esk dangerous on the flanks. Depth has improved as well, with Matthew Tkachuk rejoining the team and skating opposite the returning Nils Höglander.

Down the middle, the Scotsmen have long been solid. Elias Pettersson reportedly had a phenomenal cardio-focused offseason and looks ready to lead. Kirby Dach, however, appears worn from multiple deep playoff runs. His conditioning raised eyebrows in camp, and he’s been dropped to the second line. Once considered untouchable, Dach’s place in the lineup could be in jeopardy if his play doesn’t rebound. Depth at center originally looked like a battle between Dylan Holloway and rising star Anton Lundell, but on the morning of the general managers' meeting, Goodfellow dealt Holloway for a cap-friendly Ryan Suzuki—a move aimed at securing long-term value at the position.

With Zegras playing in a contract year and veterans like Draisaitl, Kucherov, Tkachuk, and Ristolainen potentially approaching the twilight of their peak productivity, Goodfellow will be active all season. His goal? A championship this year—and sustained contention through the next five seasons before key bridge deals expire. With few draft picks left to trade, every season in this window counts.

After ten long seasons, South Esk is desperate to raise another banner. If things break right, this could be the year the bridesmaid becomes the bride.