He may not be the biggest player on the ice, but according to Voodoos head coach Marc Lafleur the adage that "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog," that is so important when it comes to undersized players.
With that, the Voodoos announced that 5'6" forward 2004 Owen Fergusson has signed with the NOJHL team.
Lafleur says he has always had success with players like Fergusson when he was behind the bench in both Kirkland Lake and Hearst.
"I have always had the 5'7'-5''8" guy every now and then and the 5'7"-5'8" players play big, and this kid plays big," said Lafleur who joined the Voodoos this off-season.
"I am very happy because we do need some scoring. Early on it will be ' scoring by committee' I think we all believe that, and he will be one of those kids in that mix."
Fergusson, born in 2004, was among the 20 plus prospects that assembled at Pete Palangio arena last weekend.
Mike Mackley, Voodoos VP of Hockey Operations, recruited Fergusson. Due to Fergusson's size, Mackley did not endorse the forward's abilities prior to camp.
Instead Mackley wanted Fergusson's game to do the talking.
"Fergy is a dynamic offensive player who thinks the game at a high level," Mackley explained.
"He’s on the small side but he plays with a lot of jam and is effective in the dirty areas and can make an impact on the forecheck. His competitiveness and character only add to an impressive package," added Mackley.
Fergusson, a product of the Central Ontario Wolves AAA program, was all smiles when he was offered a roster spot.
"For me signing with the Voodoos was very exciting," said Fergusson, who comes from Bancroft, Ontario.
"After I met with the staff and other players I knew right away it was a great team atmosphere and a winning culture. It is exactly where I wanted to be for the next step of my hockey career where I can further develop my hockey skills.
"Being from a small town myself I felt welcomed and right at home in the community, and can’t wait to get started this year and hopefully bring another championship back to Powassan."
The Voodoos have a few more skates in August at Pete Palangio arena and will be back on the ice for main camp in September in preparation for the start of the 2021-22 NOJHL season on September 17.
