Lakers hockey welcome Shannon, looking forward to new season
The Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team is pleased to announce the commitment of Zach Shannon to attend Nipissing and compete for the Lakers in September 2013.Shannon, a 5-foot 10-inch, 190-pound defenceman from Fredericton, NB, played last year with the Woodstock Slammers in the Maritime Junior A league, scoring 13 goals and 23 assists for 36 points in 42 games. Shannon also played two full seasons with the Lewiston Maniacs, in the Quebec Major Junior League, collecting 18 points, and played five games with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, notching two points.
"I am looking forward to attending Nipissing University in the fall and enrolling in the Business program. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from the other east coast guys that attend Nipissing,” said Shannon. “I look forward to immersing myself in the community and helping the Lakers win hockey games while obtaining a good education.
"Zach is a puck moving defenceman who can operate the power play effectively. I can see him filling that role quite nicely," said Lakers head coach Mike McParland. “We have added another player with Major Junior experience to bolster our team and improve our chances of being successful.”
The Lakers expect to announce the 2013-14 regular season schedule and season tickets packages very soon. The team is looking forward to building on last season’s success, when they knocked the defending CIS Champion McGill Redmen out of the playoffs in the first round.
“Our fans have been absolutely fabulous and the season ticket packages are going to be a terrific value for the whole family,” said Gary Davison, vice-president of sales and marketing for the Lakers. “Everyone in the Lakers office is excited to get back on the ice in the renovated Gardens to launch our fifth season and continue to play fast, exciting Lakers hockey.”
This fall will also see the launch of the Lakers women’s hockey team. Head coach Darren Turcotte has been hard at work recruiting players and is building a solid nucleus of talent that North Bay’s hockey fans will appreciate.