The Nipissing Lakers have once again added some local talent this off-season, bringing on a proven scorer and winner.
The Lakers are excited to announce the signing of Powassan, ON native Lucas Brown, who recently completed a success junior career with the Trenton Golden Hawks where he was part of back-to-back Dudley Hewitt Cup championships.
Lakers head coach Mike McParland said Brown brings more than just scoring, serving as captain of the Golden Hawks this season, but his point production can’t be overlooked either.
“We’re delighted to add a player of Lucas' ability to the roster. I have seen Lucas play a number of times and we’re happy that he chose Nipissing as his school for post-secondary education,” McParland said.
Brown was close to a point per game player with the Golden Hawks, recording 90 points in 96 regular season, adding 38 points in 39 playoff games as well, on the way to an OJHL championship and two Dudley Hewitt Cup titles.
In 2015-16, Brown posted 12 goals and 17 assists in 44 games with Trenton and came up big in the post-season, scoring 10 goals and eight assists in 18 games.
The next year, Brown hit the 30 goal mark, adding 31 assists in 52 games, while posting another 10 goals and 10 assists in 21 playoff games.
In eight games at the Dudley Hewitt Cup over two seasons, Brown finished with four goals and three assists and he had three goals at the RBC Cup in 2015-16.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward said he’s looking forward to the next chapter in his career and can’t wait to hit the ice with the Lakers.
“I am extremely excited to be coming home and play for the Lakers in front of family and friends. It will also be nice to play with some familiar faces that I've played both with and against over the years. I've heard nothing but good things about the program and I'm excited to get started with a new chapter in my life,” Brown explained.
While McParland knows there will be a transition period, he’s confident Brown will be able to contribute with the Lakers and hopes he will develop into a top player, much like he was with Trenton.
“The games I have seen, Lucas has dominated on face-offs, kills penalties and plays some power play. We hope that Lucas develops with us that he achieves the same responsibilities here over his years with us,” McParland said.
Brown believes his style of play will help him jump into the lineup and play a key role in the Lakers getting back to the playoffs.
“I would describe myself as a hard-nosed 200 foot player that can score goals, be good in the defensive zone, and also good on face-offs,” he said.
Brown will be enrolling in the Criminal Justice program at Nipissing and joining the Police Mentorship Program which was started by McParland and now retired police chief and current Nipissing Chancellor Paul Cook.
“I want to help our team return to the playoffs this year and make a big contribution in doing so. Personally, I'm striving to just work hard every day and contribute in any way possible,” Brown stated.
