Excited about first signings

The Fort Frances Lakers’ second season officially has started as we’ve made our first signings—and are looking to add more players to our roster.
Returning will be Byron Katapaytuk, a player I believe is going to have a huge season if he returns to main training camp in great shape.
Newcomer Brett Wur, meanwhile, will add size and strength to our forward ranks.
He is a player who can do bit of everything and will bring work ethic to the lineup.
In other news, with expansion possibly looming, the SIJHL also will look to move forward on the business side of things.
For instance, general managers are busy trying to put together a draft process that will see teams selecting future players from around the Hockey Northwestern Ontario branch.
The teams also may be using a 45-player protected list.
These will be two of many topics discussed at the SIJHL’s annual general meeting slated for June 5.
Our team has moved forward, also naming Grant Perreault as assistant general manager to add to his previous position of director of scouting.
It’s a title that’s very deserving for Grant, who works hard in scouting players and working with myself to recruit, scout, and help with the trading of players.
His time allows me to concentrate more on the hockey team.
The next few weeks will bring more signings of veteran players from last season, as well as some more newcomers.
We are talking to defenceman Rylan McKinnon from Saskatchewan and hoping he will join our Lakers’ family. He is a smooth-skating defenceman who will add some skill to our back end.
As well, forward Ryan Wildman from Timmins, a three-year Midget ‘AAA’ vet who will add speed and skill up front, could join the team as early as this week.
Stay tuned to all the happenings with the Lakers as Times’ sports reporter Dan Falloon and I report signings, team happenings, and what’s going on around the league.
Remember, season tickets cost $175 until June 1 and then they will go up in price.
This weekend at the Emo Walleye Classic, the Lakers will be selling both season tickets and “400 Club” tickets.
Stop by the booth and please support your local Junior ‘A’ team.