NOJHL PRESEASON PREVIEW: KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS

NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE

NOJHL NETWORK MEDIA UPDATE

SUDBURY, Ont. – Winners of a combined 145 games during the past four seasons in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners will once again look to be among the elite clubs in the 12-team loop.

With a league title and a pair of Dudley-Hewitt Cup appearances within those four years under head coach and general manager Marc Lafleur, the 2016-17 campaign will look to be another successful one on the ice for the Gold Miners.

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The 11th installment of the NOJHL team preseason previews features the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.

Head Coach/GM – Marc Lafleur

NOJHL: What is one feature you feel your club will provide this season?

MARC LAFLEUR: We will be a team built on speed.

NOJHL: What do you expect from your players heading into the 2016-17 campaign?

ML: Many newcomers will be expected to tackle leadership roles this year.

NOJHL: Is there a new player you’ve signed that you’ve been impressed with?

ML: Ashton Amaya is a 20-year-old forward who spent last season with the Richmond Generals of the USPHL Elite League. He had 55 points, including 22 goals, in 41 games last season and was named to the USPHL Southern Conference all-star team. He is an elite goal scorer and will have an immediate impact on the scoresheet every night. Ashton has the talent and potential to be among the NOJHL’s top scorers.

NOJHL: Any other new player that has caught your eye?

ML: Kevin Ford is a ’97-born player from Waunekee, Wisconsin. Last season Ford recorded 30 goals and 30 assists for the North American Prospects Hockey League champion Madison Capitals under-18 squad. He will bring big-time speed and creativity along with a heavy shot. I feel Kevin has the tools to be one of the NOJHL’s most exciting and productive players.

NOJHL: What goals do you have heading into training camp, the preseason and the start of the regular season?

ML: Our goal is to take things one day at a time and be process oriented.

NOJHL: What do you look to improve on after last season’s success?

ML: We look to be contending for the league title once more.

NOJHL: How was it attending the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence camp in Calgary as a guest instructor?

ML: Hockey Canada’s POE experience was spectacular as you are surrounded by the most driven minds in hockey.

NOJHL: What are your thoughts on being named to the Team Canada East World Jr. A Challenge coaching staff once again?

ML: Being part of Team Canada East is an honour and I will try to do my best to meet the high expectations that the CJHL and Hockey Canada places on the event.

GOLD MINERS’ PRESEASON GAMES

Friday, Aug. 26 vs. Timmins 7:30 p.m. (Joe Mavrinac)
Saturday, Aug. 27 @ Timmins 7:30 p.m. (McIntyre)
*Friday, Sept. 2 vs. Kingston (OJHL) 12:30 p.m. (Tim Horton)
*Friday, Sept. 2 vs. Iroquois Falls 6 p.m. (Tim Horton)
*Saturday, Sept. 3 vs. Espanola 12:30 p.m. (Tim Horton)
*Saturday, Sept. 3 vs. Cochrane 6 p.m. (Tim Horton)
*Sunday, Sept. 4 vs. T.B.A. (Tim Horton)

* – Denotes Polar Bear Classic @ Cochrane