Over the last couple of weeks, the Fort Frances Lakers have announced the return of three players from last year’s Bill Salonen Cup finals team, along with one new addition.
On July 17, the team announced the return of defensive stalwart Zak Green. A Calgary native, Green scored 26 points in 43 games, becoming an all-star blueliner in Fort Frances last season.
Lakers head coach and GM Luke Judson praised Green for his puck-moving ability.
“Last season, Zak immediately established himself as one of the premier puck-moving defensemen in our league,” Judson said. “His poise under pressure allows us to trust him in every situation. We’ll depend on him to play important minutes and be a major part of our leadership group this season.”
Green had two goals and 24 assists in 43 regular-season games and tacked on another six helpers in 13 playoff games.
On July 20, the Lakers announced the return of last year’s youngest player, Emo native Dax Laplante. Judson praised Laplante for the way he played as one of just two 2009-born players in the SIJHL last season.
“It’s hard to play Junior A hockey as a 16-year-old, but Dax proved every day why he belonged,” Judson said. “His work ethic, preparation and compete are second to none, and I have no question that he’ll be one of the hardest-working players in the CJHL this offseason. Dax finished last year with a stretch of 12 points in 15 games. With an increased role, I expect him to surprise a lot of people with what he will accomplish this season.”
Laplante finished the season with 13 points in 44 games as a rookie, adding two more assists in the playoffs.
On July 29, the Lakers announced the return of Kenora native Carter Peters.
Peters will look to build on a rookie campaign that saw him post 15 assists and 9 goals in 39 games and another goal in the playoffs.
Judson said he’s looking forward to seeing what the young centreman can do as he grows his game.
“Carter had an outstanding rookie season and established himself as one of the most talented young offensive players in our league,” Judson said. “His skill, vision, and elite playmaking ability make him dangerous every time he’s on the ice. With an expanded role this season, he has the opportunity to become one of the premier centremen in the SIJHL, and will be a key part of our team’s success.”
On July 21, the Lakers announced the commitment of Forward Logan Pegg of Grimsby, Ont., coming out of the Crystal Beach Academy AAA program. Judson said Pegg’s compete level stood out while scouting him.
“Scouting Logan, his work ethic and competitiveness stood out immediately,” he said. “He plays a complete game, stands up for his teammates and is ready for the challenge of Junior A hockey. I’m excited to work with him in Fort Frances, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in purple this fall.”
The Lakers have now officially announced seven returning players, including Green, Laplante, and Peters, and two new members in Pegg and goaltender Domenik McInenly.
Lakers members who are located in and around the Fort Frances area are skating twice a week along with other local college and junior-age players. Fort Frances will also play host to the NWO Showcase next week as dozens of junior hockey players come to Fort Frances with the hopes of being scouted by CJHL teams.
