Jamie Mountain
With the team recently caught in a tailspin, the Fort Frances Lakers’ management has begun to make some moves to improve the team.
In the first of three transactions, Lakers’ head coach and general manager Wayne Strachan announced on Thursday that the team had acquired the playing rights of forward Kyle Uzelman from the Red Lake Miners for a player development fee.
In 13 games with the Miners this season, the 20-year-old has clipped along at a point-per-game pace with three goals and 10 assists.
“We are pleased to acquire Kyle, he has proven to be a strong player in the SIJHL,” lauded Strachan.
“He brings experience to our lineup, good skill and leadership. He was solid for the Miners down the stretch last year and in the playoffs.
“We look forward to getting Kyle going in a Lakers’ jersey,” he added.
Last season, Uzelman was over a point-per-game player for Red Lake as he registered 20 goals and 32 assists in 51 games.
He then added another five markers and three helpers in seven playoff games.
As well last Thursday, the Lakers announced that they had added defenceman Matthew Binguis from the Sault College Cougars to their roster.
Binguis, 19, tallied once and produced a helper in 11 games in the ACHA with the Cougars this season.
Prior to that, he manned the blue-line for the Sioux Lookout Warriors for three years in the NorWOSSA league.
“Matthew is a player we have watched for the last two seasons and feel he has the ability to help our defensive core,” noted Strachan.
“He skates well, has good puck skills, and is physical defensively.”
Finally, the Lakers also announced that they have released forward Praveen Dhaliwal.
“We have released forward Praveen Dhaliwal and wish him the best of luck,” said Strachan.
Dhaliwal, 20, suited up in 14 games for the Lakers this season in which he tallied two goals and an assist along with 10 penalty minutes.
