With the departure of Paul Cianfrini to the minor professinal ranks and rear guard Brodie Beard graduating, Lakers head coach Mike McParland has been working the phones this off-season trying to bring in a quality defencemen to help fill that void.
With the departure of Paul Cianfrini to the minor professinal ranks and rear guard Brodie Beard graduating, Lakers head coach Mike McParland has been working the phones this off-season trying to bring in a quality defencemen to help fill that void.
The Lakers announced today that London Knights physical defenceman Brett Cook has committed to Nipissing and will enroll in the Criminal Justice program this fall.
The 6'0", 193 pound blue liner from Washago, Ontario played in 29 games last season for the OHL champion London Knights, where he scored 2 goals and added 3 assists.
Cook, a former teammate of Cianfrini in Erie, played 4 seasons in Otter country before joining the Knights for their run to the OHL title.
McParland believes Cook will get a lot of chances to show off his all around game - something he may not have had the chance to do playing with the likes of high NHL draft picks like Jared Tinordi, Olli Maata and Scott Harrington.
“He played with Jared Tinordi in London who has already been drafted in the 1st round and he was in that #1 pairing with the Knights and in saying that - and going back to similiarities between Cook and Cianfrini - they are very similar coming in here being more known for their defense and aggressiveness," said McParland.
"When Paul Cianfrini came in here we told him we wanted him to work on his offensive game and be an all around player. He was a little bit frustrated trying and doing that but he came along and he enjoyed being more of an all-around defenceman and that’s what we will go with Brett Cook.”
More signings on the horizon?McParland says he isn't done and hopes to have more signing announcements next week.
Lakers Hockey SchoolA reminder that there are still openings for the Lakers Hockey Camp taking place during the following dates:
August 20th – 24th
August 27th – 31st
(at Memorial Gardens)
Lakers Head Coach Mike McParland will lead the hockey camp with the help of Lakers players and assistant coaches.
The camp will consist of a mix of on-ice training, off-ice core-body training and an educational component. It is divided into three age groups: 6 – 8 year-olds (costing $160); 9 – 11 year-olds ($175); and ages 11+ ($175).
Goalies are also welcome to attend at a cost of $150.
For more information, and to register:
CLICK HERE
