The expansion Nipissing Lakers will likely be Team X in the OUA, since as a first-year team has its work cut out for it, especially in a northern community.
Recruits so far include former Ottawa 67's d-man Brodie Beard "who played 3 seasons of Major Junior with the Ottawa 67's." (And, uh, also played nine games for Carleton last season, meaning he might have to sit out half of 2009-10.) Goalie Kyle Cantlon who played provincial Junior A with the Couchiching Terriers, is also said to be coming.
There's a hint about a "defenceman from the Oshawa Generals." The Gennies, who missed the OHL playoffs like a certain other team from a city located along Highway 401, had one overage D left at the end of the season, John Quarrie.
The Lakers,w ho will wear Vancouver Canucks blue and green, plan to give their first 500 season-ticket holders a replica jersey. Granted, with a team that chooses to model its uniform on Vancouver, who have to assume they'll change their colours every two or three years (eh, Andrew?)
Related:
Lakers Hockey tickets hit the market (BayToday.ca)
First 500 season ticket holders?
ReplyDeleteIs there even 500 people in that town?
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ReplyDeleteThis team will be in the mid-east division.It does seem a bit odd there not in the same division as lakehead.
ReplyDeleteThe Lakers will be the premier hockey tenant in North Bay. Expect crowds between two to three thousand fans.
ReplyDeleteIn response to the first poster's remark, I personally want to invite you to come watch a game at Memorial Gardens.
North Bay is a very modern, growth orientated & beautiful city. The community is of 55000 citizens (63000 taking into account surrounding areas). You will be pleasantly surprised to the atmosphere of a game in Memorial Gardens, to the culture & hospitality that exists in Hockeyville. www.northbay.ca
I believe the main reason that Lakehead & Nipissing not being in the same division is the same reason that Queen's, Carleton or McGill aren't in the same division. We are situated in Northern Ontario (politically speaking). We are certainly the closest city geographically to Thunder Bay. However, geographically, we are still closer to teams in Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston...
Thunder Bay is still almost 1100 km from North Bay. Having to travel to Windsor, London & Thunder Bay (via bus) on a frequent basis is a difficult proposition to make for both teams in those locations, and here.
We are all very excited to have a part in this level hockey. It is so wonderful & refreshing to see a league that is as diversified culturally such as the OUA. With teams in Québec, Eastern, Southern, Northwestern & now Northeastern Ontario, we all look forward to supporting & enjoying this calibre of hockey.
... just if any one was wondering the north bay nugget reported that all 500 of those season tickets have already been bought, but the team has also extended the jersey offer to all season ticket owners that buy before september 7th or 17th or something
ReplyDelete3700 fans at a pre season game, more than 3400 fans for the season opener, tops in the country
ReplyDeleteAnd now a national ranking, of 9, very impressive despite the skepticism initially presented. Way to go Lakers, you have made the city and your fan base very proud!
ReplyDelete