Picton Pirates –

Resilience and Growth: The Picton Pirates’ 2025-26 Season Review

The 2025-26 Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) season was a defining chapter for the Picton Pirates, marked by significant roster rebuilding, standout individual performances, and a resilient playoff push in the challenging Tod Division. Under the guidance of General Manager and Head Coach Jamie Lane, the “Bucs” transformed a young squad into a competitive force that battled against elite regional teams.

A New Look on the Ice

Following a productive spring mini-camp, the Pirates entered the 2025-26 season with a focus on fresh talent. The team secured several key prospects from the Kingston AAA Jr. Gaels program, bringing youth and speed into the lineup.

Key signings that defined the season included:

• Wesley Jackson: A versatile 200-foot forward.
• Mathieu Petrut & Cole Mulder: Massive additions to the blue line, with the 6’4″ Mulder providing a commanding physical presence.
• Isaiah More: A highly skilled forward added to boost offensive production.

These players joined veterans Ben Smith, Cole Stevenson, and goaltender Nolan Lane to form the backbone of the roster.

Season Highlights and Challenges

The Pirates started the season on a positive note, picking up points during a tough road-heavy start, including a thrilling overtime performance against the Napanee Raiders and a convincing 5-1 win over Trent Hills.

Throughout the regular season, the Pirates proved they could compete with the best, often settling into tight, defensive games. While the team faced challenges with consistency in February, they remained a “relentless” group that, as Coach Lane noted, “never stopped believing”.

Accolades: Cole Mulder Named Top Rookie

The highlight of the individual awards for Picton was the naming of 

Cole Mulder as the Tod Division Rookie of the Year. The Brampton native made an immediate impact, recording 14 points in 38 games and providing a steady, physical presence on the back end. His performance was strong enough to earn him Affiliate Player call-ups to the Trenton Golden Hawks of the OJHL.

The Playoff Battle

The 2025-26 season concluded with an emotional roller coaster of a playoff series. After a challenging regular season finish, the Pirates showed immense resilience in the playoffs.

• Round 1: The Pirates engaged in a high-stakes series against the Amherstview Jets, featuring memorable performances, including a stellar shutout by goaltender Nolan Lane.
• Championship Spirit: The season ended with the Pirates losing a tough second-round matchup against the Lakefield Chiefs, but the team earned praise for their dedication to the organization and the community.

A Legacy of Leadership

Coach Lane took the opportunity at the end of the season to thank the team’s overage players—Nolan Lane, Parker Stewart, Nate Woods, 

Cole Stevenson, Jakob DaCosta, and Colby Leaver—who provided critical leadership and set the standard for the next generation of Pirates.

With a foundation built on hard work, a strong rookie class, and a commitment to resilience, the 2025-26 Pirates established that they are a team to watch in the coming years.

“Once a Pirate, always a Pirate.”