FORT FRANCES LAKERS JR. A HOCKEY CLUB
Media Update
Release date: Friday, June 10, 2016
Fort Frances Lakers send 2 more to the next level
FORT FRANCES, Ont. – The on-ice success of the Fort Frances Lakers program in the Superior International Junior Hockey League continues to produce results in helping their players move on to the next level.
This week has seen the latest two members of the organization advance in their careers as forwards Cole Tymkin signed with the Ontario Hockey League and Memorial Cup champion London Knights while A.J. Rupert has committed to attend school and play NCAA D-III hockey at Aurora University in Illinois.
The SIJHL’s CCM Hockey rookie of the year in 2015-16, Tymkin had a solid first season with Fort Frances averaging just under a point-per-game with 48 in 49 contests on 15 goals and 33 assists.
The 17-year-old Fort Frances product also picked up six points in nine playoff games for the Lakers on a pair of tallies and four helpers.
In signing with London, Fort Frances head coach an d general manager Wayne Strachan had these thoughts:
“It’s a goal Cole had for this season and he worked hard to improve his game all year,” stated Strachan.
“With a solid summer of preparation he will definitely have to go in and battle for a position on the Knights team.”
“We are proud of Cole and his accomplishment. He was a big part of our team for a young guy. On many nights he played like a seasoned veteran and helped our team have success,” added the Lakers bench boss.
“He is a tough kid who plays a power game. It’s hard to teach players about going to the dirty areas but he relishes in those zones and helps his teammates get pucks.”
As for Rupert, he played a pivotal role in helping the club finish first overall in the SIJHL’s regular season standings as well as capture their third straight Bill Salonen Cup league championship.
After being acquired from the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) the 21-year-old native of North Oaks, Minn., went on to skate in 29 contests with the squad and picked up 25 points on 11 markers and helping set-up 14 more.
In the postseason Rupert was second in playoff scoring with 11 points.
Of his five goals, he scored the game-winner in the last three outings of the SIJHL finals vs. Dryden.
“AJ got off to a bit of a slow start with us after joining the team partially through the season, however, when it mattered late in the season and into the playoffs he was at the top of his game especially in the final round,” offered Strachan.
“AJ came up with some big goals in the finals vs. Dryden to help us prevail and win the series. He answered the bell when we needed him to and was a good person to have around our team.”
The Aurora Spartans are members of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Assocation.
Reflecting on moving players on to the next level, Strachan summarized with the following:
“This is why we try and keep our organization running and having success. We want to see our hockey players move on and when they have opportunities whether the Major Junior route or NCAA we have accomplished our goals as a staff to help develop and further their careers as young men.”
For more information on the Fort Frances Lakers, visit the club’s website at fortfranceslakers.com or on social media at twitter.com/FF_Lakers.