Lakehead University and the Thunderwolves hockey program are pleased to announce that five players are already set make their debut in a Lakehead uniform this September.
In addition to defenceman James Delory (Newmarket, ON) who red-shirted last season after playing two years in the pros, The Thunderwolves have added four new recruits to the line-up, despite the fact that it is still early in the recruiting season.
The four newcomers are forwards Luke Judson (Emo, ON), Michael MacDonald (Thunder Bay, ON), Carson Dubchak (Kenora, ON) and Luke Cain (Thunder Bay, ON).
Judson played five seasons for the Bellville Bulls of the OHL, and was the team Captain in his final three years with the team. The 61, 200-pounder was also named the teams MVP in his last two seasons, and is second all-time in games played for the Bulls. His best season came in 2010-11 when he notched 56 points.
Judson is eager to begin his CIS career at Lakehead. I'm ecstatic to be committed to the Thunderwolves for this coming season, he said. Lakehead offers a great combination of academic and athletic opportunities, and I'm looking forward to suiting up with the rest of the team this fall.
MacDonald began his three-year OHL career with the London Knights, where he played for one and a half seasons before being traded to the Sudbury Wolves for the remainder of his time in the OHL. In his final season with Sudbury, the 511, 175-pounder was elected as the team Captain. His best year statistically came in London in 2009-10 when he tallied 41 points.
MacDonald is happy to be able to attend school and play hockey in Thunder Bay. I chose Lakehead because in my eyes, the Thunderwolves hockey program is the best in the CIS, he stated. On top of that, I get to play in my hometown in front of family and friends.
Dubchak played four seasons for the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL, where his best season was a 40 point campaign in 2010-11. In the final year in the Soo, Dubchak was also named the team Captain. At 511 and 180 pounds, Dubchak is known for his tough, gritty style of play.
Dubchak is excited about his upcoming opportunity. Its an honor to be a part of the Thunderwolves and Im really looking forward to this upcoming season, he said. They have a great fan base and a team with a lot of potential to be very successful next year. Those were big factors in why I chose Lakehead.
With the commitments of Judson, MacDonald and Dubchak, the Thunderwolves have added three former OHL team Captains to the roster.
Cain played three seasons in the BCHL, two with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks before being traded to the Cowichan Valley Capitals in his final year as a junior. He recorded 85 points for the Capitals that season, and then accepted a scholarship to play at Union College of the NCAA for the next four years. Cain was a medical redshirt his freshman year at Union, so he still has two years of CIS hockey eligibility remaining.
Cain is looking forward to his homecoming. Im excited to join the Thunderwolves as the opportunity to continue my hockey career in front of friends and family in my hometown was too great to pass up, Cain said. Lakehead University presents an experience that is unlike any other in the CIS. Lakeheads pairing of top-notch academics with a great athletic program is second to none. Im excited to play in front of the best fans with the best atmosphere in the CIS. Im thrilled to be able to move back to Thunder Bay, attend Lakehead University, play hockey and help bring a championship to the city.
Delory attended Lakehead and practiced with the team all of last season, but after playing two seasons of pro hockey in the ECHL and the CHL, he was forced to sit out a red-shirt year. Delory previously played five seasons with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, where he was the eighth-overall pick in the 2004 draft. The 65, 225-pounder was also a fourth-round pick of the NHLs San Jose Sharks. Delory will certainly add a physical presence to the Thunderwolves blue-line this fall.
Delory is anxious to get back into the action. "It was a long year for me last season watching from the sidelines, he said. I'm excited to be joining the guys out on the ice this year."
Thunderwolves Head Coach Joel Scherban is pleased with the additions to the roster so far. Were excited to add Luke Judson, Michael MacDonald, Carson Dubchak, Luke Cain, and James Delory to the Thunderwolves line-up, Scherban said. Over the past few years each player has demonstrated character, commitment, and leadership to their respective teams. We look forward to adding their individual skill sets to the team this fall.