Two ex Lakehead players will be skating in the pros this season. Star forward Chris Shaffer signed today with the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League while rugged defenseman Matt Kenny has already joined the expansion Roanoake Valley Vipers of the United Hockey League.
Shaffer played four years at Lakehead and ended No. 3 on the Thunderwolves career scoring list with 70 goals and 76 assists. He also is the Thunderwolves All Time penalty leader with 101 penalties for 270 total minutes. Shaffer was named an OUA Second Team All Star in 2002-03.
Chris had a very successful junior and college career, Bucks head coach Terry Ruskowski said. He isnt the biggest guy, but he is an extremely hard worker who has a good touch around the net. I like those attributes and I am looking forward to seeing him in training camp.
Shaffer said he is looking forward to playing hockey deep in South Texas. Im excited about getting this opportunity to play. Its always been my dream to play pro so Im just going to head down there and let my play take care of itself.
Kenny played for the Thunderwolves from 2001-02 to 2003-04 and is fondly remembered for his crushing bodychecks as well as his timely offense. Kenny is second all time in scoring for the Thunderwolves defensemen with 24 goals and 51 assists and is also second on the Thunderwolves career penalty minutes list after Shaffer with 226. This past season Kenny finished his degree at Lakehead and played for the Senior AAA Thunder Bay Bombers that won the Allan Cup Canadian Senior Mens championship.
Kenny said he is ready for the step up to the pros. Im looking forward to it because its something Ive always wanted to do. I had to wait a year to finish school and then this opportunity came up. Ive also heard a lot of good things about the city and the state of Virginia so it should be a great experience.