To the Town of Fort Frances,
We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the incredible experience our son, Tie, had these past seasons playing Junior A hockey in your community.
What a season this past one was! Finishing first in the regular season and battling all the way to Game 7 of the league championship (ultimately decided in overtime) is something these young men will carry with them for the rest of their lives. While the final result didn’t go our way, there is no question it was a magical and unforgettable year. What truly sets Fort Frances apart, though, goes far beyond wins and losses.
The support from the community is exceptional. From the fans in the stands to the people around town, it is clear that hockey in Fort Frances is something special. These players aren’t just athletes; they are embraced, encouraged, and supported both on and off the ice.
A heartfelt thank you to the billet families, who opened their homes and treated these players like their own. Your generosity and care have made a lasting impact.
To the coaching staff, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and countless hours of hard work. You created an environment that allowed these young men to grow not only as hockey players, but as individuals. That kind of mentorship does not go unnoticed.
Although the season ended one game short of a championship, the foundation that has been built is strong. The experience, resilience, and belief gained will carry forward into the next year. The Lakers will be back, and they will be ready.
Thank you again, Fort Frances, for an unforgettable season and for being such an incredibly nurturing hockey community. We look forward to more visits to your community to cheer on the boys as they win their way to the championship in ‘26-’27!
Sincerely,
Minda and Darin Schumacher (Parents of Tie Schumacher, Lakers #9)
Post Falls, Idaho
