Joey Payeur
Opponents wanting to light the lamp in the Fort Frances Lakers’ end this coming season will have to cross the Lynes to do so.
The team announced yesterday the signing of defenceman Maverick Lynes, who turned 20 on June 28 and hails from Sherwood Park, Alta.
“We believe Maverick can come in and make an immediate impact for our hockey team,” said Lakers general manager and head coach Wayne Strachan in an e-mail statement.
Lynes has previous Junior ‘A’ experience with the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters (three games in 2014-15) and the MJHL’s Selkirk Steelers (nine games last year, no points).
The 5-foot-11, 160-pounder started last year with the Steelers before moving to the Creston Valley Thunder Cats of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League in B.C.
With the Cats, Lynes posted four goals and 11 assists in 31 regular-season games with 54 penalty minutes, while going scoreless in eight playoff games.
The rearguard signed a commitment with the University of Jamestown (N.D.) Jimmies on March 15, but has decided to try his hand for the time being instead in the SIJHL.
“He skates well, has good puck awareness and can help put up points from the back end,” said Strachan about Lynes.
“Coming from a good Junior ‘B’ program, his experience will slot him into a key role on our back end,” the coach continued.
“We feel Maverick can replace some important players we lost from our defensive corps.”
The defending three-time Bill Salonen Cup champions bid farewell to defencemen Davis Ross, Roshen Jaswal and Robbie Bonthron after their junior eligibility concluded.
Additionally, blueliners Nick Minerva and Ryan Gazich were selected last month in the first and seventh rounds of the NAHL draft, respectively.
The Lakers will hold their summer tryout camp from July 15-17 at Bronco Arena in International Falls.
