Royals sign Shawanda

Defenceman Chris Shawanda (left) holds up his new jersey alongside Royals head coach and general manager Steve McCharles at Casey's Friday afternoon. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The Temiscaming Royals made their first official player signing as members of the NOJHL as the club signed defenceman Chris Shawanda.

The 19-year-old defenceman registered 19 goals and 10 assists in 31 games with the Greater Metro Hockey League’s Espanola Kings.

“I heard good things about the team last year and I heard some good things about the coaching and I thought I would come out and try to have another good year and get to where I want to go and help the team as much as I can,” said the 2006 14th round draft pick of the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s.

Royals head coach and general Manager Steve McCharles coached Shawanda during a GMHL All-Star tour to the U.S. last season and he recalls that Shawanda scored the overtime goal for the Kings that broke the Royals 9 game winning streak to start the season.

“I didn’t know much about Chris early on but as the season went on his ability to play and his skill level and his ability to play a real tough game while being a real skilled player grew on me and I remember mentioning how he scared me when he was on the ice – I don’t mean physically I mean the way he could hurt us on the scoreboard,” said McCharles.

The Royals expect to announce at least another 5 signings before the club’s first camp as an NOJHL team which takes place on Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th at the Dave Keon arena in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec.