The Fort Frances Jr. Sabres may not be on the ice yet, but the off-ice preparations are in full swing as the team begins preparations for the 2008 Superior International Junior Hockey League season.
Head coach Wayne Strachan has agreed to a three-year contract with the club, which instills some consistency behind the bench.
“I am excited and look forward to continuing to build and bring a winner to Fort Frances,” Strachan said in a release.
“We came a long way last season from start until finish, and our returning players are working hard this off-season to return and be ready to excite our great fans.
“I thank the dedication of the owners to bring a successful franchise to our area,” Strachan added.
The Sabres also recently signed newcomer Gabe Capozzi, plus returnees Brendan Baumgartner and Kyle Turgeon.
Capozzi joins the team from the folding of the Marathon Renegades, who had two trying years in the SIJHL before closing up shop after last season.
He had eight points in his 11 appearances with the Renegades, with Strachan hoping Capozzi can provide some added grit and toughness to the Sabres.
“He brings much-needed size to our lineup,” Strachan remarked. “Gabe is a competitor that plays the game the way it should be [played].
“He is a solid presence on the ice with a good touch around the net, and we feel Gabe’s abilities will complement our smaller, more skilled players up front.”
Baumgartner, meanwhile, had 14 goals and six assists in 27 games with the Sabres last season. Strachan hopes he can step up and help fill the large skates left by the departure of leading point producers Quinn Amiel and Mike Ainsworth.
“He is a strong player that skates well and has great offensive sense,” lauded Strachan. “Through the month of January, Brendan scored some huge goals on our winning streak [seven of eight games between Jan. 5-26].”
For his part, Turgeon returns to the fold for his second season with the club after recording 12 points in 36 games as a rookie a year ago.
Turgeon lists his favourite NHL player as Sean Avery, and seems to fit into the same mold—bringing energy and enthusiasm that can sway the momentum of a game.
“The energy and fun he brings day in and day out to our hockey club is real motivation for our players and staff,” said Strachan.
“For a young player, he has great leadership tactics and with a year of junior experience under his belt, we believe Kyle’s role on the team will definitely expand.”
The Sabres finished in fifth in the seven-team loop in their inaugural season a year ago, falling to the Schreiber Diesels in the first round of the playoffs.
Their rookie camp is scheduled for Aug. 8-10, so any interested players looking to crack the lineup can sign up under “Player Registration” at www.fortfrancesjrsabres.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
