The Powassan Voodoos stayed close to home by signing former U18 Trappers forward Anthony Boyes, the Voodoos announced on Wednesday.
The Sundridge product who turns 18 on September 13, played high school hockey at Almaguin Highlands last season.
However, in 2022-23, he netted 14 goals 16 assists for 30 points in the Great North U18 with the North Bay U18 AAA Trappers.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Boyes about signing with the Voodoos.
“After not playing competitive hockey for a year, it's great to be able to join a winning team. I’m looking forward to a great year ahead,” said Boyes.
Peter Goulet, Voodoos head coach, was interested in signing Boyes last year.
The veteran Voodoos coach is happy to see the strong skating forward recapture his passion for the game.
“Anthony had a great camp last year and made it to the last weekend, we started talking back in the spring and Anthony decided to come to a spring hockey tournament with us and he had a great weekend. From there he came to our July prospects camp and had a great camp,” Goulet explained.
“We are looking forward to having Anthony with us for a whole season.”
Chris Dawson, Voodoos general manager, has watched Boyes develop with a talented 2006 birth year Trappers group since he was 12.
“Anthony has tremendous upside and has always had a great shot in his arsenal,” said Dawson, noting he will join former teammates Justin Rousseau, Caleb Dawson, and Cayden Kowal on the Voodoos.
“He was part of a great U18 Trappers group that won the Great North U18 crown in 2023, and personally I am extremely thrilled to see him wearing Voodoos green. He comes from a great family, and he still has a lot of room to grow this season.”
Boyes will join his new teammates and some familiar local faces at Voodoos training camp which begins on August 22.