Telling Will Morrisseau that the hockey season is just around the corner is about as necessary as informing an eight-year-old in December that Christmas is coming.
The 19-year-old Couchiching First Nation product has been skating with his Fort Frances Jr. Sabres’ teammates since the rookie camp in early August hoping to develop camaraderie with the group going into his second SIJHL season, and is excited as anybody for September to arrive.
“Our first two lines look to be all about speed, and a lot of the guys will have an extra year under their belts now so I’m looking forward to a solid season,” Morrisseau said after running the track during off-ice testing last week.
“I’ve followed Wayne’s workout program all summer and I feel I’m ready to go for a full season.”
Morrisseau has been working hard on his strength and conditioning all summer in hopes of improving on his rookie campaign, and that hard work did not go unnoticed by head coach Wayne Strachan.
“He brings a good attitude, hard work ethic, great listening and his fellow teammates all enjoy his presence,” Strachan said earlier this month after signing Morrisseau.
“Will has worked very hard over the summer to gain strength and show the coaching staff he wants to be a mainstay on defence for us this season.”
Morrisseau is especially appreciative of the strong fan support given to the team here in the area, and hopes he and his teammates can provide some added excitement to the community this winter.
“We love playing in front of them,” Morrisseau enthused. “It gives the team a lift and we’d love to have a good season and give something back to them.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
