Ontario Junior Hockey League resident writer Ron Valentine is profiling the 2024-25 team captains across The OJ.
BY RON VALENTINE
Two veteran defencemen are leading the North York Rangers as co-captains this season.
CIAN NOBLE, a North York resident, was a third-round selection, 50th overall by the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs, in the Ontario Hockey League’s 2021 U18 draft.
He made his OJHL debut in the 2021-22 campaign when he played three games for the Toronto Patriots. The next season he suited up for the Brantford 99ers before moving to the Rangers halfway through the campaign. In 2023-24 he had 4 goals and 17 points from the blueline.
The club is coming off a disappointing season where they did not reach the playoffs but Cian is confident: “It was a tough year for sure but you learn to battle through it and take it as a lesson. This year will be different if we work hard, and don’t take a day off. We have lots of skill on the club and we will be much better. Our first goal, of course, will be to make the playoffs. I’ll be wearing the “C” on the blue uniforms, our home colours. It’s a big deal for me as it’s my first taste of captaincy and I want to set a good example. I’m trying this season to play a little more physical style, to use my size more and not overthink my game. I’m currently full-time at York University and hope to play for them next season.”
COLE BOWDITCH, hails from Stittsville, ON near Ottawa. He started his junior career in the CCHL playing with the Carleton Place Canadians. In 2022-23 he was in a Markham Royals’ uniform and last season, after playing nine games for Markham, he became a Ranger. He ended with four goals and 33 points overall.
“I was honoured to be chosen to represent my team this year,” Bowditch told the OJHL. “Being a co-captain is not a responsibility I take lightly. During my final year in junior I feel that I have lots to offer as a team leader and I look forward to mentoring the younger players. I feel that our team improved during the off season and we are going to have a strong rebound from last year. Every player has a role to play and it will be important to our success this year. As a team we have our sights set on the postseason.”
“My personal goals are to focus on a strong 200-foot game and to continue to be an offensive threat. I hope to further my hockey career at the NCAA level.”
It was a tough 2023-24 season for the storied Ranger franchise as the club finished last in the 12-team East Conference, winning just eight games.
Head coach Michael Henrich is happy to have two experienced blueliners as leaders: “We were very fortunate to be able to acquire Cian and ever since we got him he has always been very steady for us. He is always positive and he’s here to work while keeping his teammates focused. We got Cole last season and he is active and competitive, always ensuring that his teammates are working hard and playing to the standard they are capable of.”
The 1-12-1-0 Rangers visit the Lindsay Muskies Saturday night. Next North York home game is on Oct. 27 against the Haliburton County Huskies.
Follow Ron Valentine on X @ronandlynda
