By Mike Stackhouse
LA RONGE ICE WOLVES
KEY RETURNEES:
1998 F Mitchell Zambon (Saskatoon SK)
1998 F Tanner Brewster (Regina SK)
2000 G Jordan Frey (Saskatoon SK)
1998 G Merek Pipes (Cobble Hill BC)
1999 D Antonio DiPaolo (Saskatoon SK)
1999 F Justin Bill (Leoville SK)
1999 F Austin Bill (Leoville SK)
The Ice Wolves have lost Connor Smith, their leading goal scorer and point getter from a year ago, to the Odessa Jackalopes (NAHL). Both goalies from a year ago are back and should provide stability and maybe even be the strongest aspect of the club. Zambon had 25-points in 30-games and DiPaolo is one of the league’s better defensemen.
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH:
2000 D Dylan Thackeray (Saskatoon SK) had 3-goals and 18-assists in 44-games with the Contacts Midget AAA and also added 2-assists in 5-games with the Ice Wolves. He’ll get a shot at a prominent role right away.
2000 D Grant Longtin (Bourbonnais IL USA) is a smooth skating, mobile rearguard who wore a letter for his junior team last year despite being 17. He had 11-goals and 22-assists in 40-games.
1998 F Kolby Johnson (Rosetown SK) returns from the major junior ranks. He has excellent size at 6’2” and 212 lbs and will be asked to contribute some offense. 41-1-1-2 at Sherbrooke QMJHL.
1999 F James Maxwell (Stonewall MB) played for Waywayseecappo and Swan Valley in the MJHL and scored 11-goals and 14-assists in 52-games. He also brings playoff experience to the club and looks ready to take another step in his development.
1999 F Jake Gudjonson (Golden BC) had good numbers with 17-goals and 24-assists in 45-games with his hometown Junior ‘B’ club. Those stats are even more impressive when you consider he factored in a large chunk of his team’s offense. Good speed, will get a shot at a top six role.
2000 F Joshua Poon (Edmonton AB) was a good offseason recruit for Evan Vossen, scoring 14-goals and 16-assists in 31-games. He’s got an excellent all-around 200 foot game.
2000 F Max Kleiner (Denver CO USA) is a big body who has a chance to be a fan favorite as he’s not afraid to get into the corners and dish out loose pucks. He’s from the same program as Longtin and had 2-goals and 14-assists in 37-games.
Tag(s): Home