Staff
Defenceman Brandon Zajicek likely will make his debut tonight when the Fort Frances Lakers host the Dryden GM Ice Dogs.
Zajicek was signed to replace blueliner Craig Murray, whom Lakers’ head coach and general manager Wayne Strachan said has left the team.
Zajicek, a 19-year-old from Albertville, Mn., split his time last season between the Portland Jr. Pirates of the United States Professional Hockey League’s Premier and Elite Division and the Estevan Bruins (SJHL).
He had two goals and 11 assists in 49 games while going scoreless in one playoff game with the Bruins.
Meanwhile, it’s the fall and the Lakers did, though they wish they hadn’t.
The Lakers (4-1) plummeted from No. 8 last week to No. 16 this week in the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s top 20 rankings announced yesterday.
The squad’s position was hurt by its first loss of the season—a 6-3 setback to the host Thunder Bay North Stars last Wednesday.
The team then rebounded with a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Iron Rangers here Saturday.
There also was a change atop the rankings as the Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) jumped from No. 3 to take over the top spot.
The Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) slipped one spot to No. 2 after being on top last week while the Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) catapulted eight spots from No. 11 to No. 3.
The Ice Dogs (4-1) earned an honourable mention in this week’s rankings.
The winner of tonight’s game, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Ice For Kids Arena, will grab sole possession of second place in the SIJHL.
