Written by Gary Moskalyk
The Lakers are in year two-plus of their of their five-year plan to make inroads in the SIJHL standings board. Head coach Tyler Miller, hired in 2022 as an assistant coach, is the chief architect of the transformation. Fort Frances was once an SIJHL powerhouse, losing in the finals in 2012 and 2013, winning the league championship three straight years from 2014-16, followed by two sub.500 years and second-round exits in the next two seasons. Their .306 winning percentage last year was a marked improvement from the two seasons prior.
Under Miller’s guidance, the Lakers are looking for a renaissance and a return to prominence.
“We’re happy with the start of our camp. Guys came back in shape. You can see that on the ice. Guys were on the ice working on their skills this summer and it really helps the team when they come back in shape,” said Miller of the 2024-25 edition.
The Lakers’ camp started on the 28th of August. A total of 27 players were there, with a few other potential signees auditioning elsewhere. Fort Frances has two exhibition games against Dryden this year–always a staunch test.
“Guys are fired up. They’re excited. Lots happening here. They’re making it tough on us coaches, which is good,” said Miller, 35.
The Lakers finished 12-31-6 last year last year, nine points behind sixth place Wisconsin. They had 144 goals for, 227 against. The powerplay was at 17.9% while the penalty kill finished at 76.1%. The team played better in the second half. Making progress is the key.
“We weren’t happy with our start last year. After Christmas things improved, games were tighter,” he said. “This year we’re building off that. We have higher standards and expectations. We’re recruiting, bringing guys in. Last year we moved up a spot. This year we’re looking to move up one, two, three spots. We’re definitely happy with our team.”
The Lakers were a young team last year. Most of their top guns are eligible to come back. Their top nine scorers from 2023-24 were 2004 or 2005 born, with five of them being rookies. Clark Scaddan (20-26-46), Brady Krentz (19-27-46), Brody Lindal (19-19-38), Jack Wood (13-21-34), Magnus Pearson (11-12-23), Caige Starr (3-17-20), Pierce Gouin (9-10-19), Evan Kabel (3-14-17) and Landon Lowes (6-9-15) comprise the nine. Lindal, Starr, Gouin, Kabel and Lowes were the rookies last season.
“We have a couple new additions. Our depth chart is very good this year. Every team is looking for top six forwards and top four defencemen. I think there will be quite a few surprises coming out of Fort Frances this year,” said Miller.
A players coach, Miller embraces his veteran core.
“They’re our leaders . . . That’s their dressing room. They can take it as far as they want with leadership on the team.”
The Lakers were swept in the playoffs last year by Sioux Lookout. Miller’s looking for more in 2024-25.
“Last year we developed players. This year we hope the development pays off. There’s a process here when we took over as a coaching staff. It’s a five-year plan. You try to shorten it. It’s our second year full-time and it’s coming together how we see it,” he said.
Number one goaltender Jack Orchard is gone. The 2003-born Orchard was 5-19-3 with a 4.47 GAA and .897 SV%. Returnee Gunner Paradis and newcomer Nolan Koethler will be tasked with stopping the rubber this year.
Thunder Bay native Paradis was 2-3-1 with a 4.65 GAA and .893 SV% last year. Koethler, from Drayton Valley, AB, had a 3.27 GAA and .900 SV% in 20 games with the U18 Leduc Oil Kings of the AEHL. The Lakers opted to instill confidence in their top two ‘tenders rather than shop around for more options.
“We’re turning the page here. We’re going to keep turning the pages here until we’re where we want to be,” was Miller’s summation. “There’s ups and downs, there’s rollercoaster rides, but there’s a lot of excitement here. We’re happy to have the guys back who have been with us for the two years now as 20-year-olds and leaders. We’ll be leaning on those guys to take over.”
Fort Frances opens their season at home against Kenora on Friday, September 13 and 14 at Ice For Kids Arena.