Lucas Punkari
The Fort Frances Lakers locked up the services of their top selection in this summer’s SIJHL draft with yesterday’s signing of Fort Frances native Hunter Leishman.
The 16-year-old suited up for the Muskies last season, where he had seven goals and six assists during the black-and-gold’s NorWOSSA championship run.
“Hunter is a big player that we see developing into a power forward for us throughout the season, and in his future,” said Lakers’ head coach and general manager Wayne Strachan.
“He proved in our prospect camp that he has the ability to develop at this level and to contribute to our team, and we are hoping that he can have a strong rookie season much like Jordan Larson and Colton Spicer did last year as 16-year-old players,” he added.
The signing of Leishman is the 13th by the Lakers’ so far this off-season, but Strachan said the team likely won’t sign anymore players until the team’s main camp, which gets underway here next Thursday (Aug. 30).
“Right now, we have one goalie, three defencemen, and nine forwards signed, and that includes Colton Spicer, who still has a tryout with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves,” Strachan noted.
“Once the camp is done on Sept. 1, the team will begin to practice on Tuesday, Sept. 4 and prepare for our first
exhibition game here on Friday, Sept. 7 against the Dryden Ice Dogs.
“We believe our young team will get their feet wet early as they will be playing the Ice Dogs, who return a veteran team, and the always dangerous Minnesota Wilderness, who attract many veterans from around the United States,” he warned.
The Lakers also are hoping to bring local defenceman Jon Carlson back for another season after the 18-year-old notched 23 points in 55 games during his rookie campaign last year.
“Jon had previously asked to possibly play in the CCHL,” noted Strachan. “However, after trying to accommodate his wish, nothing could be worked out.
“Jon would be a big part of our team this season if he returns as he grew tremendously as a player last season, and would log key minutes for the team to help his development further,” Strachan added.
