Soo Greyhounds Face Setback as Callum Croskery Injured Indefinitely

The Soo Greyhounds received disappointing news just before the start of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) regular season. Head coach John Dean announced on September 29, 2023, that first-year defenceman Callum Croskery will be sidelined indefinitely due to an upper-body injury. When asked for a timeline on Croskery’s recovery, Dean indicated it would be “month-to-month,” leaving fans and the organization concerned about his status.

Croskery, 17, sustained the injury during a pre-season match against the Saginaw Spirit at Midland Civic Arena. The Greyhounds had high hopes for the Oakville, Ontario native, who was chosen in the second round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. Croskery previously played for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he demonstrated his potential.

In June, Croskery signed with the Greyhounds after the NCAA implemented a rule change allowing CHL players to transfer to college programs. He is committed to Boston College, and many anticipate that he could be a strong candidate for a first or second-round selection in the upcoming NHL draft.

Last season with Chicago, Croskery recorded 10 points in 54 games. Kyle Raftis, the Greyhounds’ general manager, expressed optimism about Croskery’s development. “He had a little bit of an up and down year with Chicago and the USHL,” Raftis noted in August, highlighting Croskery’s dedication to improving his game.

In pre-season, Croskery showcased his skills by scoring two goals and accumulating four points in less than three games. Raftis praised his “mobility and IQ,” noting Croskery’s ability to escape pressure and effectively shut down plays. “When you want to play fast and play hard, I think that’s what you need on the back end,” he added, emphasizing Croskery’s potential impact on the team’s defensive strategy.

In light of Croskery’s injury, the Greyhounds signed 16-year-old defender Isaiah Allen to a scholarship and development deal, which will enhance the team’s defensive depth.

The Soo Greyhounds commence their season tonight against the Saginaw Spirit at 19:07, followed by a home game against the Sarnia Sting on Sunday at 14:07. As the team navigates this early challenge, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness in the league while hoping for Croskery’s swift recovery.