Fort Frances Laker Coach/General Manager Wayne Strachan keeps you informed with all the latest team news
By Fort Frances Lakers Coach/General Manager
Wayne Strachan
August 30th, 2010
Coaches Corner:
Seems the off-season was short. It feels as if we just got done against Dryden at the end of March and now we are gearing up to play them in exhibition on Wednesday night in Dryden. Wow where did time go, but it is definitely exciting that the season is growing upon us vastly. Last week brought main camp and many close decisions. Thirty – eight players participated in the four day event that saw us play five scrimmages.
We have since cut down to twenty nine players in camp and will be cutting down to twenty-four to twenty-five by this coming weekend. When you read this we will have two full practices in and will be playing in Dryden as we speak. We will only dress nine veterans from last season on Wednesday. The remaining eleven players in the line-up will be showcasing their talents to the staff in hopes of joining the Lakers roster. Ten local players still are with the team and have a great chance of making the team this season.
We are looking to add an Asst. Coach people with interest should contact me at wayne@fortfranceslakers.com with a complete resume and paragraph on why you would like to join the staff. We will take our time on choosing the right person to fill this position. We have filled out trainer position; Dale Cooper will be returning to the team with help from Duane Sinclair. A big sigh of relief came to me when Dale called and told me the news on Saturday. He is awesome at this job and I am sure he will groom Duane into being the same way. The players’ should be very happy with Dale returning and Duane’s addition!
Upcoming events for the Lakers will be the following;
Ex. Game vs. Sioux Lookout, Friday Sept. 3rd @ 7:30 here at Ice for Kids. Then Ex. Game vs. Dryden on Wednesday here. Then we will host a golf tournament at Kitchen Creek Golf Course on Saturday Sept. 11th. Four-man best ball prices at $75. a player. This will be a fundraising golf tourney. Please call Glen @ the pro shop to register 274 – 4653. Lastly, we will host the expansion Wisconsin Wilderness in our last ex. Game on Sunday Sept. 12th @ 2:30 pm. I anticipate a strong squad from coach Rod Aldoff and it will be good to measure ourselves against his hockey team. All ex. games will be $5.00 admission at the door and we hope to pack the rink to let these three teams know the Lakers are back in town and we will be tough to beat in front of our local faithful!
We will then prepare for opening season as the defending SIJHL Champions will visit on Friday Sept. 17th. Our first seven of nine games are at home and we will look to get a good start and take advantage of this opportunity to play in front of our home town crowd. Season tickets are still on sale and you can also purchase your 400 club tickets around town. Your support is needed as we try to continue to house a local junior “A” hockey team. Purchasing a 400 club ticket gives you a chance to win some or all of the $10,000.00 winnings that will be given out. Purchasing a season ticket helps the team operate and gives you the opportunity to watch some exciting junior “A” hockey in our town.
The team was disappointed not to see the return of two veterans Jordan Carne and Irv Lockman. Jordan decided to complete his work in Marathon until October and then attend school in Thunder Bay. This is a big lose to our program as Jordan lead our team in scoring in the playoffs and was a big reason why we were successful in the second half of the season. It will be tough to fill his spot on forward. It is not known why Irv decided not to return, but he is a character player and depth guy who also had success in the later part of the season and into the playoffs. Irv’s presence around the team will be missed as he was always a character and fun person to be around. Our organization wishes these two players’ the best of luck.
In saying this we welcome back Vice – President Jim Fowler to the board. Jim was a big reason the team started last season and had success in its first year as an organization. He will be as always an added addition to the board with his hockey knowledge and all that he does for this team. Good to have you back Jim.
We are still in need of one billet family to house one player anyone interested can contact Mary Cooper 274 – 6608 or Mary Polz 274 – 7264.
July 19th, 2010 issue of Coach's Corner
July 12th, 2010 issue of Coach's Corner
July 5th, 2010 issue of Coach's Corner
June 21st, 2010 issue of Coach's Corner
June 5th, 2010 issue of Coach's Corner
