Lakehead Thunderwolves Hockey and head coach Joel Scherban are excited to announce the commitment of forwards Matt Dias of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Ryan McDonald of Prince Albert, Saskachewan.
Dias has already arrived in Thunder Bay will begin practicing with the Thunderwolves on Thursday. He will make his playing debut at the TbayTel Varsity Cup Challenge, December 29-30 as the team hosts the Manitoba Bisons at the Fort William Gardens.
A 511, 200 lb. winger, Dias comes to Lakehead after a strong four-year OHL career with the Sudbury Wolves. He led the OHL Wolves in scoring last season with 31 goals and 35 assists for 66 points in 68 games. Dias was also named OHL player of the week May 6, 2007 after registering five points in two playoff games against the Plymouth Whalers.
"Being from the north, I used to train with (Jordan Smith) Smitty and heard a lot about Lakehead, says Dias. The chance to come here and compete and play at a national championship is great. I like the direction the team is heading in.
Most recently, Dias attended the AHLs Norfolk Admirals training camp in September. The sniper has also played six games in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers and the Cincinnati Cyclones, scoring two goals and adding four assists. Strangely, Dias and McDonald were roommates at the Admirals camp but will have a second opportunity to skate as teammates.
McDonald committed Tuesday evening and is expected to arrive in Thunder Bay by the weekend.
A left-handed shooter, McDonald was a consistent performer during his five-year WHL career split between the Regina Pats and his hometown Prince Albert Raiders. The 511, 187 lb. forward increased his scoring totals during each year of Junior play. He led the Raiders in scoring during the 2007-08 season with 26 goals, 33 assists and 59 points, and increased his totals the following year to 37 goals, 26 assists and 63 points when he was second in team scoring. Overall, McDonald registered three consecutive years of more than 25 goals and 50 points.
"We are extremely excited that Matt and Ryan have joined our program and will being playing with us at the end of December, says coach Scherban. Matt is a skilled winger whos offensive production improved every year in the OHL. Ryan is a gifted offensive player who produced on a consistent basis throughout his Junior career.