Faceoff Factor

New Look Frontenacs Off To Hot Start

Jesse Marshall | Penguin Prospects

Oct 1, 12:09 AM | Hype this story!

Over the course of the last two years, the Kingston Frontenacs have taken up residence in the basement of the Ontario Hockey League.

That residency includes Penguins prospect Nathan Moon.

Moon, who is coming off of his first Penguins training camp, has been at the center of controversy and rumors in Kingston since the start of his second season.

However, the questions of work ethic ended when the light at the end of tunnel appeared for the Front’s.

That light was former NHL player Doug Gilmour.

Bringing a sense of structure and work ethic to the club, Moon and the rest of the Frontenacs brought at least some solace to circle K fans in Kingston when they closed out the season in a very respectable manner.

Gimour’s influence had made it’s mark, but that wasn’t all.

The Frontenacs then went out and added some toughness to a roster that was sorely in need of some physical reinforcement.

As posted exclusively on this site last year, Nathan Moon had taken the reigns and was dishing out and taking the brunt of the physicality last season. Not exactly a trademark for the offensively talented Moon. But, as he said in his interview with us, sometimes you have to be a leader.

“We’re a small team this year without a lot of tough guys, we traded away our tough guys at the trade deadline, so our veterans have to step up for a lot of the younger guys on the club. We can’t be known as a team that gets pushed around. Some of the guys that might not be known as tough guys have to step up a little bit once in awhile and show the other team that we’re not afraid of them.”

Kingston took note of the problem and addressed it in sound fashion. They brought in forwards Zach Harnden and Kaine Geldart, two extremely powerful and tough customers that should prevent any more liberties being taken with the fronts more skilled forwards.

Speaking of the skill, the Frontenacs have gotten 4 goals out of newcomer Michael Farrell from Owen Sound. Farrell, a third year player, has been showing his skill alongside Ethan Werek and Nathan Moon.

With a some new faces in goal and on defense, the Frontenacs have managed to get off to a 4-2 start, winning 3 straight games, including tonight against the Belleville Bulls.

Nathan Moon notched his first goal of the season in a tight and physical 4-3 Kingston victory.

Moon now has 5 points (1+4) in 6 games.

Kingston sits atop the Eastern Conference for the first time in a long time. It’s early, but the trends that Kingston players have shown so far under Doug Gilmour are encouraging to say the least.

This environment is nothing but good news for Penguins fans. Moon was stuck in the doldrums in Kingston and he may have the chance to put up some great numbers and get a taste of victory before his eligibility runs out.

As always, we’ll keep a close eye on Nathan Moon throughout the season. Check back to the site for more updates on prospects!