Trappers goalie joins Blind River Beavers

Trappers goalie Andre Laperriere is joining the NOJHL's Blind River Beavers. Photo by Chris Dawson.

BayToday.ca has learned that North Bay Trappers goalie Andre Laperriere will be joining the Blind River Beavers hockey club this fall.

Blind River head coach Jim Capy told BayToday.ca that the North Bay native was their primary goaltending target during the off-season.

"We had identified a couple of goaltenders from the GNML and Andre was at the top of our list." Capy said in an email to BayToday.ca.

"We believe that Andre was a big part of the Trappers run to the finals and that being a 1987 birthdate will allow him to step in and compete successfully in the NOJHL immediately.

"The Blind River Beavers are looking for players that are goal-oriented and Andre fits our criteria. He has a desire to pursue a scholarship or other opportunities in hockey without compromising his education. We believe that we need these type of players to continue to build our program," Capy said.

Skyhawks G.M. Guy Blanchard was disapppointed to hear the news but he says the local club wouldn't guarantee Laperriere a number one spot with the Skyhawks without earning it first at training camp. Blanchard told BayToday.ca that they were hoping to have Michael Lalande and Andre Laperriere share the goaltending duties this fall.

"Everything comes down to performance and we wish him the best of luck," said Skyhawks G.M. Guy Blanchard, who coached Laperriere in minor hockey.

Laperriere had a 2.77 goals against average in 21 regular season games last season with the Trappers, along with a 3.14 goals against in 10 playoff games leading the Trappers to the Great North Midget League Finals.