NOJHL COMMUNICATIONS
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE
MEDIA RELEASE
Release Date: Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012
NOJHL Team-By-Team Previews: Kirkland Lake Gold Miners
SUDBURY –- In a prelude to the upcoming Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s regular season, which gets underway Wednesday, team-by-team previews are being presented. This team preview features the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS
PO Box 262
Kirkland Lake, Ont.
P2N 3H7 1B0
President/Director: John Hammell
General Manager/Head Coach: Marc Lafleur (1st season)
Website: www.klgoldminers.com
Last season’s record: 2-11-1 (4th Eastern Division – 7th overall)
Playoff record: 0-4
OUTLOOK: An unbeaten preseason has Kirkland Lake optimistic heading into the start of the campaign as the Gold Miners commence their first full season in the NOJHL. New head coach and general manager Marc Lafleur takes over as the bench boss of the club this year after a stint as an assistant coach with Rouyn-Noranda of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. While it is still very early the Gold Miners look to be a much improved club heading into 2012-13.
COACHES COMMENT: “I am happy at this point of the season with the make-up of our forwards and confident we will be able to ice four solid lines that should be able to match up well against the other teams in our league.” In regard to his defensive corps, coach Lafleur offered; “I believe this group is one of the most improved areas of the team and as the season progresses should be a key factor in not only reducing our goals-against average, but should also contribute offensively.”
KEY RETURNEES
JORDAN TURBIDE: Is quickly assuming a leadership role and who will be depended on to lead the offense. He led the club in scoring last season averaging over a point-per-game.
CONNOR MCNALLY: Returns as a top six forward from last year and is a prototypical two-way player that all coaches and teams value.
JOEY FTOMA: After joining the squad from Blind River last helped anchor the club defensively with his stay-at-home style of play.
NEW PLAYERS
JORDAN BRIAND: Has made an immediate contribution to the club scoring the game-winning goal in each of the Gold Miners’ preseason victories. Playing midget hockey in Val-d’Or, Que., last season the offensively gifted forward racked 75 points on 23 goals and 52 assists.
MICHAEL HYNES: While new to the Gold Miners, Hynes is no stranger to the NOJHL having attended the Soo Eagles main training camp. The 20-year-old goaltender picked up the win in his exhibition debut with Kirkland Lake.
JEREMY PICARD-FISET: The Amos, Que., native is a smooth skating defenseman who will be expected to quarterback the offense and should be one of the leaders on the back end.
