Quinn Kipfer is a true example of leadership and skill. The North Bay Battalion prospect and Bowling Green University commit has made his mark with the GOJHL’s Stratford Warriors, where he currently boasts 14 goals and 23 points in 39 games. His dynamic play has made him a great rookie forward, and his leadership qualities were further highlighted when he captained Team GOJHL at the St. Andrew’s College MacPherson Tournament.
Playing for the Stratford Warriors has been a crucial step in Kipfer’s development. “The speed of the game at the next level is intense, and my goal next year is to play in the OHL and the GOJHL has set me up for that,” Kipfer said. “Stratford has given me the opportunity to grow as a player. Playing near home has been great, it’s a central location with incredible fans. We have a great crowd every night, no matter who we play. The energy at the Allman Arena is amazing, and we always talk about bringing our best game there.”
A big part of Kipfer’s growth in Stratford can be attributed to head coach Dave Williams, who has been instrumental in shaping both his game and his mentality. “Dave is a great coach who brings the most out of everybody,” Kipfer said. “He makes sure we’re prepared to come out hard every night. The culture here in Stratford is fantastic, and this year, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, you can see the dedication of the organization and management. They put in a lot of hard work to make our team successful, and it shows — we’re currently sitting in third place.”
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“The speed of the game at the next level is intense, and my goal next year is to play in the OHL and the GOJHL has set me up for that” |
“Our captain, Cole Lewis, is a local guy and in his fourth year with the team. He has so much experience, and he’s been a great mentor for me. Jonas Schmidt has also been important for my growth as a well-rounded player. They make being at the rink fun, and that’s a big part of what makes our team successful.”
Kipfer’s leadership skills were recognized when he was named captain of Team GOJHL for the MacPherson Tournament, which was an honour for him. “I was captain for my U16 team last year, so to be named captain again but for the Macpherson team was a huge surprise and honour,” he said. “I take pride in being a leader, and it was great to be recognized on such a skilled team. Many of those guys have played at the next level, so leading that group was a great experience.”
When it came time to choose his NCAA path, Kipfer found the perfect fit at Bowling Green University. The connection between the Bowling Green and Stratford organizations played a key role in his decision.“ Bowling Green felt right for me when I visited,” Kipfer explained. “Dennis Williams, the head coach there, is the brother of our coach, Dave Williams. They have been extremely supportive, and I knew it was the right place for me.”
With a bright future ahead, Kipfer remains focused on the present and what the Stratford Warriors can accomplish this season. “Honestly, I’m most excited for playoffs,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of success that not everybody expected, and I want to show the fans what we can do as a team.”
As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Quinn Kipfer continues to demonstrate the qualities of a top-tier prospect with speed, skill, and leadership. Whether he’s leading on the ice in Stratford or preparing for the next level, his season through GOJHL has not gone unnoticed.
