Lakehead University Athletics and Head Coach Pete Belliveau are proud to announce this year's recruiting class for the Thunderwolves' Men's Hockey Team. This year's class brings in three student-athletes who have committed to Lakehead's exciting and competitive program. The new recruits are defenseman Matt Jacques of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, defenseman Jeff Whitfield of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and centre Dan Speer of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Coach Belliveau said the three will bring a lot of skill to the Thunderwolves' roster. "These are three quality student-athletes who will be fantastic additions to our team." Jacques played for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL and then attended Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta for two seasons where he was part of the ACAC 2004 championship Griffins' squad. Whitfield played three seasons for the OHL's Sarnia Sting before being traded at the beginning of this season to the OHL and Memorial Cup Champion London Knights. Speer began his OHL career with the Sudbury Wolves and then was traded to the OHL's Barrie Colts where he played for almost three seasons.
2005-2006 Thunderwolves' Recruiting Class:
Name: Matt Jacques
Hometown: Fort Saskatchewan, AB.
Previous Clubs: Lethbridge Hurricanes - WHL/Grant MacEwan Griffins ACAC
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 183 lbs.
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Coach Belliveau's Comments: "Matt is a very offensive d-man who has a lot of skill and he should step right in and make a contribution; especially on the powerplay."
Name: Jeff Whitfield
Hometown: Sault Ste. Maire, Ont.
Previous Clubs: Sarnia Sting/London Knights - OHL
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 208 lbs.
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Coach Belliveau's Comments: "Jeff is a hard-nosed defensive d-man who is very tough in his own zone and can move the puck well."
Name: Dan Speer
Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ont.
Previous Clubs: Sudbury/Barrie - OHL
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 183 lbs.
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Coach Belliveau's Comments: "Dan is a very skilled offensive player who has great vision on the ice and he will give us more scoring depth."
Belliveau, Lakehead hockey's all-time wins leader, is back for his fifth season behind the bench for the Thunderwolves. In the team's first four seasons; Belliveau led the Thunderwolves to four playoff appearances, two Queen's Cup appearances, one OUA Conference Final, and one visit to the CIS National Championships. He has an overall record of 104-56-10.