Offence and leadership are two key qualities to any hockey player and when it comes to offence, it’s a bonus coming from a defenseman.
The Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey program is excited and proud to announce they have signed defenceman Nikolas Kalpouzos from the Toronto Patriotes of the OJHL.
The 5-foot-10 blueliner will join the club for the 2018-19 season, making the jump after three full seasons if junior hockey in the OJHL.
Kalpouzos’ best season came last year when he posted 42 points in 51 games with the Pats and another eight points in 18 post-season games.
Lakers head coach Mike McParland believes Kalpouzos can help his team transition from defence to offence and will help with the man-advantage.
“A defenceman from the Toronto Patriots who we believe can come in and help ignite the PP from the top,” McParland said in a team release.
“We are very glad that Nik chose Nipissing to continue his education and hockey career.”
In 147 games in the OJHL – two years with Toronto and one with the Newmarket Hurricanes – Kalpouzos picked up 88 points.
In 26 playoff games, he added 10 points as well.
He has been part of successful teams, but also found personal success.
Dating back to his midget years, Kalpouzos has been crowned a GTHL champion, a Big Nickel Tournament champion, as well as a Telus Cup gold medalist.
The 20-year-old from Toronto, ON should be able to give the Lakers a boost on the blueline, as they look to fill in some gaps from graduating players.
McParland is confident Kalpouzos can make the jump and contribute.
“Nik had a big year for Toronto and will be more than capable of stepping up a level and playing USPORT Hockey,” said McParland.
