From the beginning the Thunderwolves Hockey organization has made every effort to attract the best possible teams to play here in Thunder Bay. We believe that Coach Belliveau has created one of the best home schedules in Canadian University hockey.
The tremendous support of our fans and sponsors is one of the main reasons that it is
attractive for teams to want to come this distance to play here.
We were therefore very excited when, a year ago, Coach Belliveau was able to arrange non-conference games against Michigan Tech in December and bringing in the University of Quebec atTrois Rivieres in January. Traditionally NCAA teams do not travel outside the United States of America and the University of Quebec at Trois Rivieres is annually one of the top teams in Canada.
When we scheduled these games, we did not know and could not have anticipated that the World University Winter Games (FISU Universiadegames) coaching staff would schedule a training camp in December and departure dates in January that would conflict directly with the games scheduled by us with these two teams.
Lakehead University and the Thunderwolves hockey organization did everything within its power to arrange for the Thunderwolves players to be available to play with our team on these dates. These efforts went without success.
The FISU games are the Olympics of University sport. The chance to play for Team Canada in this competition, against the rest of the world, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are proud to celebrate the achievement of the selection of five of our players that will represent Team Canada as they go for gold at the World University Winter Games.
Our team will miss these players, as will the other teams in the OUA whose best players will also be overseas. The fact that we are losing more players than most teams reflects upon the quality of these players and of our program. Our remaining players are committed to winning, and this will be their chance to step up and prove their value to the team.
Our organization will continue to invite the best teams in Canada and the United States to play here before our loyal fans. The FISU games will not affect us for another six years. Thank you to the greatest fans of Canadian University Hockey for your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely,
Rory Cava,
President of Lakehead Thunderwolves
Varsity Hockey and The Board of Directors