Woodstock Slammers to rebrand to the Woodstock Warriors
As the 2026-2027 season approaches, Woodstock’s premier hockey team is preparing for a major change.
“We want to start fresh and cut ties with previous ownership; we wanted our own identity,” said the Junior “A” team’s new owner, Jason Tatarnic.
This new identity will take the form of the Woodstock Warriors, replacing the Slammers name beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The team is part of the National Collegiate Development Conference, a tuition-free junior league based in the United States and Canada.
Tatarnic served as the Slammers’ coach from 2005 to 2013 and became head coach again in 2025.
He sees the team’s new identity as being defined by local ownership and the greater community engagement it provides.
“It’s important for us to the community, to get back in schools, minor hockey programs, and fundraising events for different [charity] groups,” said Tatarnic, elaborating on what this engagement could look like.
New uniforms and signage are currently in the works for acquisition in the upcoming season.
“I’ll continue to coach the team, but there will be a time when I’ll probably step away from that role. There are a lot of new players coming in, because you lose a lot to college hockey, so there will be new players moving up the league,” said Tatarnic when asked if he plans to implement any major changes to the team.
Tatarnic highlighted the continued inclusion of international talent from Europe as something fans could look forward to.
“Those banners aren’t going anywhere, the retired numbers aren’t going anywhere, even with a brand new name we’ll still hold onto that tradition,” said Tatarnic when asked about the Slammers name being retired.
However, some local hockey fans see this not as a completely new development, but as a return to form for the area.
“It all ties back to the community [and history] of the Warriors here in Woodstock,” said Blaine Tompkins, a board member with the team and fan.
The Warriors were once the name of Woodstock High School’s men’s hockey team but were renamed due to the usage of Indigenous symbols that some found offensive.
The new Warriors, however, have instead adopted the visage of a Spartan soldier. The new design was created by Derek Croney, who previously created the Slammer’s logo.
Season tickets are currently being sold for $140 for an adult and $600 for a family of four, with any additional child at $25.
New merchandise is also in the works and will be available soon.
