Jr. Trappers wrap up successful free agent prospect camp

Jr. Trappers new defenceman Carter Horwitz finishes up a shooting drill during the prospects camp on Saturday night. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The North Bay Jr. Trappers wrapped up a successful 3-day prospects camp this past weekend. The event attracted 69 players from as far away as California to Newfoundland. While many players traveled from throughout North America to attend, a number of solid local players also made an appearance at the free agent camp held this weekend.

London Knights draft pick Tait Seguin highlighted a solid local crop of players. The 17-year-old is heading back to the OHL London Knights camp but has yet to make his decision on whether he wants to play NCAA or Major Junior Hockey. Tait’s combination of speed, skill and physical play throughout the weekend once again impressed the Trappers brass.

"Tait is a premier player and one that we would love to have wear a Trappers jersey," said President Chris Dawson about Seguin who played at Hill Academy Prep School in Toronto last season.

“Tait is a special player and a quality person and the kind of kid that we want on our team this upcoming season."

Other locals that impressed Trapper brass were Sundridge's D.J. Wainman, Mattawa's Addison Robidas and North Bay midget Trappers Travis Rose, Eric Champagne, Jake Ibbitson and Cole Filiatrault.

The Trappers also beefed up their blueline for next year with a commitment to California defenseman Carter Horwitz. The Los Angeles native played this past season for the high profile Shattuck-St. Mary's prep school in Minnesota; a program that has proudly produced such NHL stars as Sidney Crosby, Zach Parise and Jonathan Toews.

"We looked up the NOJHL and the team and thought North Bay and the league had a lot to offer and looked like a great place to play junior hockey," noted Horwitz, who was identified by the Trappers scouting staff while playing in Michigan this past winter.

"The Trappers have a terrific organization with a great fan base and I'm excited to play here."

Head Coach Tom McCarthy is looking forward to seeing Horwitz play on Memorial Gardens' big ice next season.

“His skating, energy and enthusiasm will only compliment our returning roster,” said the Trappers second year bench boss.

“We like to think we are building something special here in North Bay, Carter’s character is the kind of demeanor this organization will thrive on, our continued success to recruit quality character kid’s like Carter is just as important as recruiting player’s with skill, were are building this team with good players that are good kids.”

The Trappers expect to have another camp this summer where many more players are expected to attend. The Trappers are expected to hold their next free agent camp on June 2nd, in Barrie, Ontario.