KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake Gold Miners have solidified their goaltending for the upcoming season.
Veteran netminder Kenny Fitzgerald recently announced he was coming back after having an outstanding campaign last season.
With the departure of Jeremy Pominville the Miners were looking to shore up the situation and they didn’t have to go far to find the solution.
The team has signed 2013-14 Great North Midget League regular season MVP Devon Debastos. The former Timmins Major was also named the league’s top goalie this past year.
Gold Miners Head Coach Marc Lafleur stated, “He is a great kid and I expect him to challenge Kenny all year.”
For his part Debastos, who was an affiliate for the team last season and played in two exhibition contests is excited for the opportunity to play for the Miners.
“What helped make my decision to sign with the Gold Miners was being an AP last year. It showed me what a great organization the Gold Miners are. Marc is an amazing coach and for the little bit that I practiced with the team, I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere during the games was amazing as well.”
Debastos is the third former Timmins Major to sign with the team and he says that also played a factor in wanting to put on a Miners uniform.
“Having Nick (Hautanen) and Tyler (Romain) be on the team definitely helped me make my decision to play for the Gold Miners a lot easier. I played with both of them and I’m glad I have some familiar faces on the team. I’m excited to play along side them.”
He also said with his home so close to Kirkland Lake it will make it easier for family and friends to come and see him play.
As for what kind of goaltender he is. He describes himself in this fashion.
“ I bring a lot of hard work and determination to the team. I am a very consistent goaltender who will never give up. I’m not the flashiest goalie around but I definitely get the job done.”
As for Fitzgerald, he says is very much looking forward to another season with the Miners.
“The kl community has been great to me. I’m often stopped by Gold Miner supporters to talk about the team or my own background. It’s something I’ve never experienced with other junior hockey clubs.”
