Former Frontenacs stars to appear as franchise revives an early-2000s theme
The Kingston Frontenacs are reviving an early-2000s celebration at Slush Puppie Place on Friday, Oct. 2, bringing two of the club's more recognisable alumni back to the city and reintroducing a familiar symbol for fans.
Anthony Stewart and Ethan Werek — both former Frontenacs who went on to professional careers — will return to Kingston for what the club is calling Y2K Night. The evening will also include the public unveiling of a new alternate jersey featuring Count Frontenac, the mascot that is closely associated with the franchise's identity.
- When: Friday, Oct. 2
- Where: Slush Puppie Place, Kingston
- Features: Alumni appearances, ceremonial puck drop, autograph booth, alternate jersey reveal
Stewart and Werek are scheduled to be on the concourse throughout the game night, taking part in a ceremonial puck drop and meeting fans at the Camera Kingston Autograph Booth, the club said in its announcement. The combination of alumni appearances and a jersey launch is intended to draw fans who remember the Frontenacs from the late 1990s and early 2000s as well as newer supporters.
"Join us at Slush Puppie Place this Friday, October 2, for Y2K Night and a trip back to the early 2000’s!"
The return of Count Frontenac as the focal point of an alternate jersey ties into a broader trend among junior hockey clubs to trade on nostalgia. For Kingston, a city with a strong hockey history and a fan base that spans university students, long-time residents and families, themed nights and alumni events are a way to boost attendance and deepen ties to the community.
Beyond the spectacle of a jersey reveal and a mascot comeback, the event provides practical opportunities for the Frontenacs and local partners. Autograph sessions such as those at the Camera Kingston booth create meet-and-greet moments that support fan engagement, while in-arena promotions often stimulate merchandise sales and spur additional local spending on concessions and surrounding businesses.
Slush Puppie Place hosts dozens of events each season; nights that bring former players home can also serve as informal reunions for the broader hockey community — youth coaches, former teammates and long-time season-ticket holders — creating an atmosphere that emphasises continuity between past and present iterations of the club.
What fans can expect and why it matters locally
Evening highlights listed by the club indicate multiple touchpoints for supporters: a formal puck-drop ceremony featuring Stewart and Werek, autograph opportunities at the Camera Kingston booth and the on-ice or concourse reveal of the new Count Frontenac alternate jersey. The combination of in-arena spectacle and autograph access is likely to attract families and collectors.
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ceremonial puck drop | Recognise alumni and energise game-night atmosphere |
| Autograph booth | Fan engagement and memorabilia |
| Alternate jersey reveal | Merchandise interest and brand nostalgia |
For Kingston's downtown and nearby businesses, themed game nights can bring extra foot traffic on weeknights. Restaurants, bars and retail outlets around the arena typically see an uptick in customers on Frontenacs nights, especially when an event features popular former players and a visual draw like a new jersey.
Bringing alumni back into the fold also underscores the Frontenacs' role in developing players who progress to higher levels. For younger local players — minor hockey participants and high school athletes — seeing former club members return to sign autographs and participate in ceremonies reinforces the pathway from Kingston's rinks to broader hockey careers.
Fans interested in attending should consult the Frontenacs' official channels for ticket information and any additional event details. With alumni on hand and the Count Frontenac emblem making a visible comeback, Friday's game is set to be one of the more memorable nights of the early season at Slush Puppie Place.
Coverage from the club highlights the mix of nostalgia and community engagement the Frontenacs are aiming for. For many in Kingston, the event is a reminder of the club's place in the city's sporting life and a chance to celebrate local hockey culture.
