SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
SIJHL COMMUNICATIONS
MEDIA RELEASE
Release Date: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013
Team preview: Fort Frances Lakers
THUNDER BAY – Heading into the start of the Superior International Junior Hockey League’s 2013-14 season, the Fort Frances Lakers are set to try and prove that the third time is the charm.
Having advanced all the way to the SIJHL’s Bill Salonen Cup finals the previous two campaigns, falling just short in a pair of tightly contested league championship series against a strong Wilderness side, Fort Frances will look to build on those experiences as they look to win it all this go around.
Under the guidance of three-time SIJHL coach of the year recipient Wayne Strachan, who also serves as the club’s general manager, the Lakers will commence their quest Friday evening at Ice for Kids Arena as they host the Thunder Bay North Stars at 7:30 p.m.
A trio of returning players are among those that Strachan will rely heavily on this season.
Defenceman Cody Wickstrom is one of the veteran defenseman returning to the Fort Frances line-up.
“Cody had a good playoff for us last season as he elevated his game and picked up half his total regular season point total in just 11 playoff games,” stated the Lakers bench boss.
“We will need him to grow on his rookie season and become the leader of our defensive core,” added Strachan.
Up front forward Patrick Sofer is the squad’s top eligible returning scorer as he’s coming off a 30-point campaign that included 13 goals.
“He brings a lot of speed and skill to our line-up and will be called upon to lead our team on and off the ice as well as be an offensive threat throughout the season,” said Strachan on Sofer.
Another forward looked upon to produce in 2013-14 is 27-point man Mason Meyer.
“Mason was our team rookie of the year last season and had a solid playoff for us,” offered the Lakers GM and coach.
“He will be looked upon to lead the team as a strong two-way player. Mason brings speed, skill and tenacity to the line-up and we will need him to be a fierce competitor for us on the ice.”
Among the newcomers joining the Fort Frances roster this season is D-man Billy Grillo.
Entering his last year of junior hockey, Grillo comes on board after skating for the Great Falls Americans (AWHL) a year ago.
“Billy is a veteran defenseman that will bring leadership and a solid presence to our line-up,” surmised Strachan.
“In preseason he showed some poise with the puck and displayed a hard shot from the point and will make an immediate impact on our line-up.”
The Lakers will also look to twin 20-year-old brothers Bryce and Lyndon Lipinski to impress as well after being acquired over the summer in a deal with the Portage Terriers of the MJHL.
“Bryce was Portage’s second leading scorer last year and will be called upon to be a leader offensively for the team,” reflected Strachan.
“He brings speed, skill and a tireless work ethic every night. Even though he is new to the team, he is a three-year vet of Junior A and we will rely on him for leadership and mentoring of our younger players.”
As for Lyndon Lipinski, he was an invitee to the Team Canada East World Jr. A Challenge tryout camp two years ago when played for the NOJHL’s North Bay Trappers.
“Lyndon is another solid two-way player who had a nice touch around the net this preseason. He is also a seasoned vet and is no stranger to the Junior A game and will be relied on heavily to help lead our team.”
Using a solid mix or new and returning players, the Lakers will be on a mission to grow from their last two season setbacks in the league final and make the next step of winning a SIJHL championship.
Strachan, no stranger to winning titles himself, garnering a pair of NCAA crowns during his U.S. collegiate playing days at Lake Superior State, knows what it takes to win.
“We know it won’t be easy, but we will be preparing all year for the playoffs and have one mission in mind and that’s to have a date in the final round with a chance to win the league.”
After Friday’s home opener vs. Thunder Bay, Fort Frances will be right back at it Saturday as they entertain the first-year English River Miners at Ice for Kids Arena in another 7:30 p.m. start.