By: John Humphrey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Tilbury Bluebirds continue to be led by a team captain with a long track record as a proven leader. In fact. Dylan Denomme is the only team captain that the Ontario Hockey League (OSHL) team has ever had since its inception two years ago.
The Bluebirds bestowed the affable 31-year-old with the task of leading the team both on and off the ice when the team came into existence in time for the 2023-2024 season and team brass have been pleased with the results.
“Anytime you are given a letter by your team, it doesn’t matter what level of the game or the league that you are playing in because it is a big honour and you have to live up to those responsibilities,” said the 31-year-old forward. “But whenever you are named the team captain of a new franchise, I think it means a little something more because you have to set the example and be the stepping stone for everyone who is starting out on a new adventure together.
“My dad taught me to play every game like it is the last one that I will ever play,” he continued, matter-of-factly. “And that’s exactly what I go out there and do – every game.”
Having previously served as a team captain when he played in the Riverside Minor Hockey Association (RMHA), LaSalle Vipers (Junior B), University of Windsor Lancers and the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League, Denomme did have to adjust his game plan as a team captain with the Bluebirds.
“Playing in Tilbury is a lot like it was playing in Macon because in the minor pros you are playing with mostly older teammates,” he claimed. “And you are dealing with guys who are playing hockey for a career, so you are dealing with their livelihoods.”
The Mayhem, coincidentally, had a significant Windsor connection when Denomme played two seasons there. His head coach was Kevin Kerr, the former Windsor Compuware Spitfire who played with an edge and a chip on his shoulder when he played for the Spits at the old Windsor Arena 1984-1987.
“I can tell you that Kevin really hasn’t changed that much over the years,” Denomme said with a laugh. “He is still an intense guy.”
Goaltender Troy Passingham, who won the 2009 Memorial Cup with the Spitfires, has also a teammate of Denomme for a season in Macon.
Today away from the ice, Denomme, who lives in Walkerville with his girlfriend Sarah Johnson, works as a border agent with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor.
“While working with the CBSA is a challenging and demanding career, it is also very rewarding,” he offered. “I work full-time but I also have a flexible schedule, and they are very supportive of my playing with the Bluebirds.”
In ten games with the Bluebirds (4-6-0) in the 2024-2025 season, Denomme leads the team in scoring with 8 goals and 7 assists while playing with linemates Zack Bedard and Calyn Kir for much of the season. He was quick to voice a self-evaluation of his style of play.
“I’m a power forward and I love the physical play – LOVE the physical play,” he offered. “I think what sets me apart from many other top scorers is that I like getting in there and getting my nose dirty.
“I will drop the gloves too if I have to but I’m a scorer,” Denomme continued. “I think that my shot is the best part of my game but I’m also a play maker and I help make my teammates better players.”
Spoken like the true leader that the Tilbury Bluebirds are fortunate to have.
