By Brad Sherratt, KL Northern News
Sunday, May 25, 2014 9:50:47 EDT AM
KIRKLAND LAKE - Two more former Kirkland Lake Gold Miners will be continuing their hockey careers at the college level.
Sam Wilbur has committed to Westfield State University in Boston. Wilbur’s new team, called the Owls play at the NCAA Division three level.
In speaking about the move, the native of Saginaw Michigan said “I would like to thank the Kirkland lake Goldminers organization and all of my teammates for a great year.
“I’m glad I get the chance to move on to the next level with this opportunity and I can’t wait.”
The Gold Miners acquired Wilbur this past season when, in October they traded Jake Zarazycki to the Blind River Beavers. Wilbur made an immediate impact on Kirkland Lake and produced a number of goals down the stretch drive to the playoffs.
Meantime defenceman Ryan Scherer is off to the Univertsity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
The program is NCAA Division 3 and the Pointers as they are known play in the Wisconsin intercollegiate athletic Conference.
Speaking with the Northern News Scherer spoke about his time in Kirkland Lake.
“I feel fortunate to have played for the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners. It is great how the town is inviting to the players and backs the team every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for a better junior hockey experience.”
Having played over 100 regular season annd playoff games in just under two seasons with the club, scherer was seen as one of the Miners’ top D-Men.
Meantime, the defending Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League champions are already preparing for the start of next season.
In a recent interview with the Northern News Miners’ Head Coach and General Manager Marc Lafleur stated he and his staff would be working much of the summer in preparation for the new year.
To that end the team will be holding an open training camp in New Liskeard from July 25-27th at the Don Shepardson Arena. The fee is $150 dollars and anyone interested in trying out can register online at klgoldminers.com
And the club will have a lot of holes to fill in for next season.
A number of players who were a part of last year’s championship squad have “aged-out” so there will be spots at every position.
It should also be noted that many of those who will not be back next season were key ingredients to the success of the club.
