Austin Keleher – Ayr Centennials Captain

by Jacques Teasdale

As the Centennials enjoy a strong season, Austin Keleher credits the team’s success to their depth and unity.  “This year feels different—balanced. All four lines contribute, and that’s a huge difference compared to past years,” he says.

When Keleher he would always go to GOJHL games any chance he got. “To me, those guys were the superstars.  Watching them play as a kid really inspired me,”. Now, he finds himself in their shoes, leading a team with a fanbase that looks up to him and his teammates in the same way.

Keleher’s approach to leadership has been shaped by a trio of influences from his junior hockey journey: Max Mulder, Ethan Lamoureux, and Jacob Chantler. “Max showed me you don’t have to be rude to earn respect—he was kind and approachable. Ethan was incredibly skilled, and Jacob taught me how to lead a team nobody expected much from and turn it into something special. I try to take a little from each of them in my own leadership style,” he explains.

The fan support in Ayr is something Keleher deeply values. “The kids love us, and I make sure to stop and talk to them whenever I can,” he says. “This town is behind us—they want to see us win, and we want to make them proud.” Whether it’s playing road hockey with kids, attending community events, or participating in Christmas parades, Keleher and the Centennials are dedicated to building strong connections with the people of Ayr.

As a player, Keleher describes himself as a hybrid forward who grinds it out in front of the net while also creating plays. “I’ve worked hard to evolve my game from being skill-focused in minor hockey to becoming a true 200-foot player. I want to be the kind of player who can contribute wherever the team needs me,” he says. That versatility, combined with his work ethic, has made him a valuable player on and off the ice.

Keleher’s favourite moments in hockey reflect his deep connection to the game. “My first junior game was unforgettable, hearing my name called and the cheers from the crowd.. And then there’s opening night this season, standing there as captain of the Ayr Centennials. It felt like everything I’ve worked for led to that moment,” he shares.

The rivalries in junior hockey are something Keleher relishes. “Games against Cambridge and other teams in the region are intense—we don’t like them, and they don’t like us. It’s fun to be in those games,”. But he also embraces the friendships hockey has brought him, especially with linemates Owen Ireton and Matthew Prendergast, and longtime friend Blaire Krawchyk. “Playing with Blaire at 20, after all these years of friendship, is surreal. The chemistry and camaraderie we’ve built are special,” he says.

Keleher knows that success in hockey, as in life, comes from perseverance. “My advice to younger players is simple:  don’t give up when it gets hard. Very rarely do you start as the best player, but if you keep working, you’ll get somewhere.”  For Keleher, playing for Ayr is about more than just being close to home—it’s about showing the community what he’s capable of and giving back in every way he can. “This town has given me so much, and it’s an honor to represent Ayr on the ice,” he says.

As the Centennials continue their impressive season, Austin Keleher’s blend of grit, leadership, and passion is driving the team’s success and cementing his place as a player the community and his teammates can always count on.