Former Kirkland Lake Gold Miners’ Captain Dan Morin, seen here carrying the Copeland Cup is excited for his professional hockey career to begin.
As the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners were heading down the stairs towards a joyous dressing room after Friday’s 9-0 win over Blind River standing outside the locker room door was former captain Dan Morin, the smile on his face etched for all to see; his NOJHL championship ring polished and glistening.
For Morin this was one the last chances to see some of his old teammates before embarking for the United States and a career in professional hockey.
Over the summer Morin signed with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey league and he can’t wait to get down and start playing.
“I’m really excited. the closer it gets the more real it gets. I’m very excited to get down south.” To help prepare for his pro debut Morin recently played some games with the Temiscaming Titans and he says it was a good experience.
“It was great to be on the ice. Temiscaming was great helping me out and making sure I was not rusty going down south. They really helped me prepare. I feel game ready right now. I trained hard in the gym as well so I hope I am above and beyond game shape.”
As for his new team’s expectations. He says they are looking for him to play his game.“Just play the same game as I having been playing for the past couple of years, especially with what they saw of me last year.”
As for his now old team, Morin likes what he sees.
“They look to be shaping up pretty well and the way the leagues looks it looks like they could come out on top again.”
The Ice Bears training camp starts October 12th with the season starting on October 24th.
