Goalscorer Goodfellow comes home

Letting it go - Mason Goodfellow unleashes a one-time shot during practice Wednesday. He's expected to provide offensive punch as he joins the Napanee Raiders after starting the season with Cobourg.

The Napanee Raiders added a high-profile scorer with experience at higher levels of junior hockey and facilitated another homecoming this week, acquiring forward Mason Goodfellow from the Cobourg Cougars.

A 2023 third-round pick of the OHL’s Barrie Colts, the 18-year-old Yarker native has travelled much, gaining experience in his young hockey career.

Following a 31-goal effort in his draft year, he started 2023-2024 with 19 games with the Wellington Dukes, before taking on a leading role with a stacked Ajax-Pickering Under-18 AAA team and contributing 35 points in 33 games in the regular season and playoffs.

Last season, Goodfellow started with the OJHL King Rebellion, but really found his groove after moving to Niagara and joining the Pelham Panthers of the GOJHL. He had 26 points (13 goals,13 assists) in 24 games and added 70 PIMs.

He moved onto Cobourg to start the year.  The team struggled through two coaching changes, and Goodfellow set his sights on joining a familiar team. His family’s business, The Country Butcher, has supported the Raiders for several seasons and he’s had some close friends come through the system before.

“Being at home, it’s about a better experience. Starting with (Ben Hagerman), I’ve heard he’s a great coach, and I have buddies here as well. I just want to live at home and have fun this year,” he said, adding he likes the makeup of the Raiders roster.

“It’s a great group of guys. They work hard, and we’re ready to win. We’re a young group and we’re talented,” said Goodfellow.

One-on-one – Mason Goodfellow, left, and Ben Galliah battle for a loose puck in practice. The teammates played together in the Kingston LUG recreational league this summer amid a healthy contingent of Raiders.

Asked what he can bring to the table, Goodfellow says he sees himself as “definitely a goal scorer, who is competitive and physical as well.”

Hagerman said Goodfellow will immediately fill needs.

“Mason is a very welcomed addition to our lineup. His skating ability, offensive awareness and power in the corners will help our offensive depth an ability to create five-on-five offence, while increasing our power play options,” said Hagerman. “We’re delighted to give Mason the opportunity to play at home in front of friends and family.”

Goodfellow will make his debut tonight in Picton. His return to the Best and Bash Arena, where he used to skate as a member of the Napanee Stars, is expected Friday, Oct. 10 when the Trent Hills Thunder are in town.