The Lakehead Thunderwolves Hockey Team has had a busy off-season. Having not played since early 2020, we have had the chance to add many new faces to our team. Here is a look at the new recruits that will be putting on the blue and yellow for the first time this season:
Joe Mack, Forward – New Hudson, Michigan
A native of our neighbors to the south, Joe has spent time in his hockey career playing on both sides of the border. Joe has played for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as well as the Sarnia Sting. He finished off his junior career with the Shreveport Mudbugs in Louisiana, scoring the game winning goal in the North American Hockey League championship game. Now coming back to Ontario, Joe is looking forward to wearing the blue and yellow: "Very excited and fortunate enough to wear that Thunderwolves jersey for the first time! Excited to play in front of the fans and the great community we have here in Thunder Bay. Can't wait to get started!"
Jayden Wojciechowski, Forward – Thunder Bay, Ontario
Having spent the majority of his hockey career right here in Thunder Bay, Jayden is a hometown crowd favorite. When asked about playing for LU, Jayden said "I'm excited to be playing hockey for Lakehead University and having the opportunity to play in my hometown of Thunder Bay! Can't wait for our first game at the Gardens!" He is a graduate of the Thunder Bay Kings AAA hockey program, an achievement he shares with Stanley Cup Champions Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, Patrick Sharp, and Matt Murray. Jayden also spent three seasons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League with the Virden Oil Kings, being voted a second team all star in the 2019-2020 season.
Tyler Ho, Forward – Surrey, British Columbia
Born in Surrey, Tyler has played most of his hockey in Western Canada. He spent three seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL), playing minutes for both the Vancouver Giants and Saskatoon Blades. He also played 2 seasons with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. This team only lost one game during the 2020-2021 season. Additionally, he was voted unsung hero of the Vees during that same season. Now taking his hockey career to Ontario, Tyler says "very excited to be joining Lakehead University as they have a great hockey team and awesome support from the community! Looking forward to play my first game as a Thunderwolf."
Cole Edwards, Forward – Sydenham, Ontario
Although born in Ontario, Cole travelled out to Eastern Canada for his Junior Hockey Career. He played with the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for 2 seasons. After his time with the Islanders, Cole finished off his junior career with the Summerside Capitals of the Maritime Hockey League. When asked about this new chapter to his life, Cole said "I am extremely excited to continue my education and hockey career at Lakehead University. I am honoured to suit up with the Thunderwolves in the fall while pursuing my business degree."
Griffen Fox, Forward – Brantford, Ontario
As Griffen shares a birthplace with Wayne Gretzky, it's certainly safe to say he comes from a hockey town. Griffen spent part of his career as the captain of the Trenton Golden Hawks in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. After his time with the Golden Hawks, he spent the 2020-2021 season with the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Hockey League. While with the Ramblers, Griffen was voted a First Team MHL All-Star. When asked about why he decided to become a Thunderwolf, Griffen touched on the importance of both school and hockey: "After talking with Coach Wilkins and players in Lakehead's hockey program it became very clear to me that Lakehead would be a perfect fit for me. Their business program and their amazing fan base really attracted me to join the Thunderwolves family. Super excited to begin the next chapter of my life at Lakehead!"
Spencer Blackwell, Forward – Erin, Ontario
While originally from Ontario, Spencer travelled east to play the majority of his hockey. He played one year in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts. After his time with Quebec, Spencer went on to play for the Truro Bearcats in the MHL, before eventually joining the Miramichi Timberwolves. With the Timberwolves, Spencer put up 98 points, appearing in 73 contests. When asked about coming to Lakehead, Spencer isn't only excited about hockey: "Truly looking forward to joining the Thunderwolves and embarking on the next stage of my hockey career. I'm equally excited about attending Lakehead University. It has that small school feel with a big-league hockey program." We look forward to having Spencer be a Thunderwolf both on and off the ice.
Ben Badalamenti, Forward – Harrison Township, Michigan
Growing up in Michigan, Ben was destined to play for the Saginaw Spirit, one of the only American teams in the OHL. After his time with the Spirit, he went on to play for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL. His most productive scoring season was spent with the Sea Dogs, tallying 24 points across 52 games played. When asked about becoming a Thunderwolf, Ben said "I'm thankful to be given the opportunity to go to Lakehead and play hockey, I'm also excited to play my first game as a thunder wolf in front of our great fans and community."
Stephen Fox, Forward – New Town, Nova Scotia
Stephen spent his junior career with the Amherst Ramblers of the MHL. During his time with Amherst, he was voted a first team all-star, as well as the MHL player of the year in the 2020-2021 season. Stephen is looking forward to getting to work in Thunder Bay, saying "Lakehead is a great school and Thunder Bay is a good fit for me, so I'm excited to start playing."
Jack Miles, Forward – Ottawa, Ontario
Jack has spent all of his junior hockey career in the Central Canada Hockey League. He first played for the Renfrew Wolves, before becoming a member of the Nepean Raiders. When asked about coming to Northwestern Ontario, Jack said "I'm honored and excited to be playing for a program like Lakehead. I've heard nothing but great things about the school and the city of Thunder Bay and I can't wait to join the Thunderwolves family."
Dilan Peters, Defense – Sarnia, Ontario
Dylan played his junior hockey in the North American Hockey League, appearing for both the Shreveport Mudbugs and the St. Cloud Norseman. When asked about being recruited by LU, here is what Dilan had to say: "Being recruited to Lakehead has been an amazing experience. Thunder Bay is a great city to play in and the program here allows players to get better consistently with it's faculties at our disposal. I'm excited to be a part of the Thunderwolves hockey program."
Max Wright, Goalie – Kitchener, Ontario
Born in Ontario, that is where Max stayed for his hockey career. He was the starting goalie for the Listowel Cyclones of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, helping the team win a Sutherland Cup in the 2018-2019 season. He then went on to be a member of the Burlington Cougars. When asked about becoming a Thunderwolf, Max said "I'm very thankful to have been recruited by Lakehead. Lakehead provides a great opportunity to further my education and hockey career."
Written by: Drew Clutchey