Joey Payeur
For the first time in team history, the Fort Frances Lakers will have all their SIJHL friends over for a two-day get-together that could impact the next chapter of their hockey journey for some of those on hand.
The Lakers have been named host of the annual SIJHL “Showcase” for this coming season, which will place Jan. 30-31 at the Ice For Kids Arena.
Not only will all six SIJHL teams play two games apiece over those two days, they will do so in front of a crowd of college, junior, and pro scouts looking to bolster their ranks down the road.
“It’s great for the organization and town,” said Lakers’ head coach and general manager Wayne Strachan.
“[Fort Frances] did a great job a few years ago with the Dudley Hewitt Cup, OFSAA last year was a success, and now we have another opportunity to showcase all the teams to our community and bring in some extra business around to the local businesses,” he noted.
“We feel we can put a good show on for the teams and attract maybe more fans than in past years.”
The “Showcase” was held exclusively in Minnesota the last several seasons as that was considered a more central location for the scouts to gather, with many of them affiliated with U.S.-based teams.
The SIJHL also announced its regular-season schedule for 2017-18 on Friday.
The Lakers will get right to work on opening night when they host the Thief River Falls Norskies on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the IFK Arena.
Their first game against the defending SIJHL champion Dryden Ice Dogs, who ended the Lakers’ three-year title run in the semi-finals last season, will be held here Sept. 30.
The Lakers will play 27 home games and 27 others on the road, with one of those away games being the only neutral site contest of the SIJHL season (on Oct. 27 against the Norskies in Red Lake Falls, Mn.)
Their two games at the “Showcase” comprise the rest of the schedule–against the Thunder Bay North Stars on Jan. 30 and then the Ice Dogs the following night.
Unlike last season, when the Lakers played their four games at home, the squad will have six road games and five home ones in the first month of the campaign.
“I like the fact that it is broken up,” said Strachan.
“Going on the road bonds teams together and you don’t get a sense of feeling comfortable around your own rink,” he reasoned.
“It will be good and we will need to be prepared for the first game.”
The Lakers will have just two afternoon games during the upcoming season.
They will play the English River Miners in Red Lake on Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., then take on the Minnesota Iron Rangers at home in a “Family Day” matinee on Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m.
“I don’t mind the afternoon games as it prepares your team if you are fortunate to move on out of your league,” noted Strachan.
“It’s just the way it goes in only having two this season as we will get the late games at the “Showcase” this year,” he added.
In other news, the Lakers dealt veteran forward Tyler Malpass to his hometown Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) for a player development fee.
“Tyler and his family asked for the trade,” said Strachan.
“It isn’t something we wanted to do as we feel he would have had a key role with us this season,” he admitted.
“We thank him for his time with the team and wish him luck.”
The 18-year-old Sault Ste. Marie native was seventh in team scoring last year in his only season with the Lakers, notching 29 points in 47 regular-season games while adding three assists in six playoff contests.
Strachan, meanwhile, is spending this week in Calgary at the National Under-17 Player Development Camp as part of being selected to work with Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence National Under-17 Team Experience.
