Introducing the Peewee AAA Trappers

Randy Edmonds (left) addressed the public during the Peewee AAA team's first ever press conference. John Couch (right), who coached the Midget AAA Trappers two years ago, will be the head coach. Photo by Chris Dawson.

John Couch is once again coaching the North Bay Trappers.

This time, it’s at the Peewee level.

The name “Trappers” will be the nickname of the brand new Peewee 'AAA' team that held its first press conference as an organization on Monday night at the Hall of Fame room at Memorial Gardens.

Peewee 'AAA' Trappers general Manager Randy Edmonds says the team got approval to use the name from Andre Rochefort - who owns the rights to the Trappers name.

As a child, Edmonds remembers watching a North Bay Peewee 'AAA' Trappers team that included the likes of Moe Mantha Jr. and Quebec Nordiques draft pick Rick Laferriere.

Edmonds says that Peewee team had 8 players that were eventually drafted into the OHL.

“We are trying to develop continuity,” said Edmonds.

“We are trying to work with everyone and hopefully the kids that plug in at Major Peewee 'AAA' will be able to stay together as a group right through to midget.”

North Bay has been considered behind Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie in hockey because - before this season - Major Bantam was the area’s lowest level of 'AAA' hockey. Edmonds believes that player development has suffered since the North Bay Minor Hockey program folded its 'AAA' programs at the younger levels in the late 1990’s.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” said Edmonds.

“Having the Major Peewee 'AAA' here in North Bay for me is probably the best thing that’s happened in North Bay in 10 years.”

For Couch, it’s a chance to work together with well known local minor hockey coaches Mike Reise and Jamie Young.

The trio was originally set to coach the expansion Greater Metro Junior ‘A’ franchise in Powassan. But when plans for that team were pushed back another year, Couch was ready to listen to other offers and this one felt good.

“At this age group the kids are extremely keen,” said Couch, who coached at the Peewee level previously in Owen Sound.

“They’ll see the improvement and they’ll see how they become better hockey players by mid-year and end of the year which is exciting for us. We are all interested in helping kids get a little better and prepare them for Bantam and Midget.”

The Trappers will play in a newly formed four-team Northern Ontario Peewee ‘AAA’ League which will include teams from Sault Ste. Marie, Nickel City and Timmins. Sudbury may make it a five-team league, but the Peewee ‘AAA’ team there that may continue to play in the Sudbury minor bantam league instead.

Looking for a home

The team will include players from all areas of the Nipissing District and at this point they still don’t have an arena to call their home. The team is even considering playing some of its home games in Verner to help cut travel costs for the Sudbury area team or teams.

Tryouts

The team is also looking to have tryouts begin once the rinks re-open on June 30th in North Bay.

Edmonds hopes to have the team formed by late August and hopes to bring the club to a Canlan tournament down in the Toronto area in late August.