Thursday, July 28, 2011

Lakers re-sign trio, add talented local prospect

Press Release

FORT FRANCES, Ont. – Wayne Strachan, head coach and general manager of the Fort Frances Lakers announced Tuesday that the Superior International Junior Hockey League club has re-signed three more players from last season’s squad in goaltender Tyler Ampe, defenceman Marty McFadden and forward Henry Gutierrez while also adding a talented local prospect in forward Jordan Larson.

Ampe, a finalist for this past season’s top goaltender award in the SIJHL, was third among all netminders in the league in wins with 23.

The 19-year-old native of Hermantown, Minn., also posted a 3.09 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage, which were good enough for sixth and fourth respectively among all SIJHL goalkeepers.

“We are very pleased to have Tyler back in our line up,” offered Strachan on the re-signing.

“We hope he can build on the season he had last year and as a 20-year-old bring his success to help our team,” added the Fort Frances bench boss. “It brings relief to know we have one half of our goaltending tandem returning for the start of the season.”

As for McFadden, the 19-year-old saw action in 50 games in a Lakers uniform last season picking up nine points including three goals, which all came on the power play. The Carmen, Man., product also picked up 60 minutes in penalties.

“We feel Marty has a lot to show this season,” stated Strachan. “He is a player with an abundance of talent if he comes back ready to work hard and put the time in to make himself better. He is a player that could have a big season.”

Heading into his final year of junior hockey, Gutierrez, who hails from East Grand Forks, Minn., has picked up 40 points on 24 goals and 16 assists in his first two seasons skating for the Lakers.

“Henry returns after being our most valuable player in the playoffs,” said Strachan. “We are very excited to see what Henry will do this season after making a breakthrough in the playoffs offensively. He brings speed, good forechecking ability and is one of the top PK guys in the league.”

The local prospect in Larson returns home after spending the previous campaign skating for the Thunder Bay minor midget Kings program where he registered a team-leading 86 points on 43 goals and just as many assists.

In securing the 16-year-old Larson’s services, Strachan is pleased what the local product has to offer.

“Jordan is a young player that we feel once he adjusts to the play in Jr. A that he can contribute in our line up,” stated the three-time SIJHL coach of the year recipient.

“He brings a lot of offensive talent and is a player that reads the ice well and helps his line mates immensely. Jordan has put up numbers at every level he has played so far and we are excited to see what he can do for our team this season.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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