The Nipissing Lakers men's hockey team is adding a player very familiar to the city of North Bay.
The Lakers have signed former Battalion forward Harrison Caines who will join the Lakers for the 2021-22 OUA season.
Caines joins the Lakers after wrapping up his junior hockey career with the Chicoutimi Saugeens of the QMJHL this past season where played eight games during a COVID-19 shortened season.
Prior to that, he had two very strong seasons with the North Bay Battalion, winning the team's rookie of the year award and leading all rookies on the Battalion in scoring.
"I am a two-way forward that plays both ends of the ice and will compete every game," Caines said in a release.
Originally a ninth-round pick in the 2017 OHL Draft, Caines posted 16 goals, 21 assists for 37 points in 118 games with the Battalion.
The King City, ON product will be enrolling in business at Nipissing and is looking forward to the next chapter in his hockey and academic career.
"I am hoping to further my game and strive to become a pro hockey player. The goal is to win a OUA championship with the Lakers," he said.
After a brief stint with the Aurora Tigers in the OJHL, Caines played three years of major junior hockey and now that he's moving on to the collegiate level, he feels Nipissing is a great fit.
And the city of North Bay was a drawing card, as well.
"I chose Nipissing because I loved playing for the Battalion and the City is beautiful. I love the small-town vibe and the amazing coaches and program of the Lakers hockey team," Caines explained.
Lakers head coach Mike McParland said Caines' familiarity with North Bay, as well as his skills on the ice make him a solid addition to the team.
"We are glad Harrison enjoyed North Bay during his time with the Battalion and has committed to Nipissing," he said.
"We are excited to add his speed and junior experience to our program."
