The No. 8 Lakehead Thunderwolves (4-1-0, 0-0-0 O.U.A.) open their 2003-2004 Ontario University Athleticsregular season by welcoming the Waterloo Warriors (0-1-0 O.U.A., 1-4-0 overall) for a two game series at the Fort William Gardens in Thunder Bay. Waterloo is coming off a tough 3-2 overtime loss to Western in their OUA home opener last Friday. The Thunderwolves have a 7-0-1 record against Waterloo and have outscored them 37-21. This will be the ninth and tenth meetings between the two O.U.A. Far West Division rivals.
Waterloo's first year Head Coach Karl Taylor said his team is looking forward to the challenge of traveling to Thunder Bay to begin Lakehead's season. "We are starting our schedule against two of the top teams in Canada, Western and Lakehead. Lakehead will be one of the teams to beat, and we are looking forward to that challenge. It is obvious we are rebuilding our program and we have set goals of getting better each and every day."
Players to watch on Waterloo are fourth year winger Richard Scott and Fourth year defenseman and Captain Chris Hopiavuori. Coach Taylor has also brought in two fine rookie recruits in Mike Della Mora and Kevin Hurley.
Lakehead Head Coach Pete Belliveau said his team is not taking the Warriors lightly as this is a new season and he wants his team to perform at 100%. "The Waterloo Athletics program has made the commitment to hire a full time coach, and new coach Karl Taylor will have his squad ready to steal two points in the Bay next weekend. We have always had hard fought games vs the Warriors and we do not expect anything less, we see this as a big Far West Division series!"
The Thunderwolves have seen great play from the line of Murray Magill, Robert Hillier, and Wyatt Tunnicliffe in their five non-conference games. The new line has combined for seven goals and 13 assists during that five game span, lead by Magill's four goals and six assists. As well, Lakehead saw some inspired play from Erik Lodge, Chris Shaffer, Jeff Richards, Peter Cava and Jounni Kuokkanen. As well, rookie defenseman Steve Rawski will see his first action of the season against the Warriors.
The Thunderwolves will also be unveiling their 2002-2003 O.U.A. Far West Division Championship Banner in a special ceremony before Friday's game. The puck drops at 7:30 on Friday and Saturday nights at the Fort William Gardens.