SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
SIJHL MEDIA UPDATE
Release Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015
SIJHL team previews: Minnesota Iron Rangers
THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Game action in the Superior International Junior Hockey League’s 15th season begins Friday.
The following preview on some of the names to watch on the Minnesota Iron Rangers:
TEAM: Minnesota Iron Rangers
HEAD COACH/GM: Chris Walby
Under the guidance of head coach and general manager Chris Walby, the Iron Rangers have steadily improved over the past three seasons having played 30 games over the .500 mark in that span posting 92 victories overall.
Minnesota will look to add a third straight 30-plus win season in 2015-16 as they come off a campaign that saw the club advance eight players to the NCAA ranks.
NOTABLE RETURNEES
HUNTER ROUTHEAU, FORWARD/DEFENCE: The 20-year-old veteran hails from Green Bay, Wis., and is coming off a 35-point season in which he scored 11 times and added 24 assists.
“Hunter is a gifted player that can play both forward and defense,” says Walby.
“His size, athleticism and skill is a lethal combination when he’s on top of his game.”
ERIC MADISON, FORWARD: Back for another year in Hoyt Lakes and the Iron Rangers is the 20-year-old Madison, who is from St. Paul. Minn.
Madison scored 11 times last season and also supplied eight assists.
“Eric is our captain and a leader by example,” offered the Minnesota coach and GM.
“His work ethic, grit and compete level makes him very difficult to play against each night and he’s also a great teammate.”
JAKE ELLINGSON, FORWARD: One of the tallest players in the SIJHL at six-foot-five-inches tall, the 20-year-old joined Minnesota midway through last season.
Ellingson saw action in 32 games with the Iron Rangers in 2014-15 and scored 10 times while helping set-up eight others.
“Jake enters his first full season as an Iron Ranger with a chip on his shoulder and is expected to take on a huge leadership role as veteran,” stated Walby.
“His leadership, skill set, size and work ethic make him one of our top returning prospects.”
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS
JACKSON BOND, FORWARD: The 19-year-old from Minnesota joins the Iron Rangers after spending last season playing in Saskatchewan with the Battlefords North Stars.
In 36 games played Bond notched three goals and added five assists.
“Jackson is a shifty player with exceptional speed, puck protection and play-making ability,” says Walby.
“After playing in the SJHL in Battleford, he’s an incoming prospect for us.”
JOSH GOUIN, DEFENCE: Hails from Fort Frances and the stay-at-home defencemen had a brief stint in the SIJHL with the Lakers in 2014-15 picking up a goal and an assist nine games.
The 19-year-old blueliner also played for the Steele County Blades in the MNJHL.
Josh spent some time in the league and looks great,” said Walby.
“He has obviously put the work in this past spring/summer. He’ll be an impact player immediately for us.”
DALTON JOHNSON, DEFENCE: The Cloquet, Minn., product joins the Iron Rangers after playing high school hockey for his hometown team.
Averaging a point-per-game for the Lumberjacks, Johnson had three goals and 21 assists in 24 games last season.
“A lot is going to be expected of Dalton early in the season,” surmised the Minnesota bench boss.
“His speed, vision and puck skills will all pay dividends while logging major minutes early this year.”
QUOTABLE
“I’m confident in our recruiting and roster moves this offseason and feel we have a great mix of players in the locker room. I’m thankful to the vets who committed to coming back this season and I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach each one of these guys. I expect to win games immediately with strong goaltending from veteran Kyle Carignan, sound team defence and discipline. Our size, speed, skill and heart will put us over the top.” – Chris Walby, Head Coach/GM