The Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey team has added some scoring punch up front with their latest signing.
The Lakers signed forward Colby Tower, who is making the jump to Nipissing from the Miramichi Timberwolves of the MJAHL, where he spent the past two seasons.
The native of Troy, Nova Scotia, Tower is excited about the next chapter in his hockey career, as he also looks to earn an education in North Bay.
“It is very exciting to be joining the Lakers hockey program. I am very happy to have chosen such a good school like Nipissing to earn my education while still playing hockey,” Tower said.
“My goal after my junior career was to play USports hockey and Nipissing made that come true. Both my family and I am very excited for this opportunity.”
Tower had a solid junior career, spending the majority of his time in the QMJHL and MJAHL, with a brief stop in the AJHL with the Grande Prairie Storm as well.
His best season came in 2017-18, posting 23 goals and 39 points in just 36 games.
In total, he had 89 points – 39 goals and 50 assists – in 104 MJAHL games and played another 115 in the ‘Q,’ with Cape Breton and Quebec.
He has also posted 20 points in 25 post-season games in the MJAHL.
Lakers head coach Mike McParland has been busy on the recruiting path this off-season and likes what Tower brings to the program.
“We have been very lucky with kids from the East Coast and we are sure this trend will continue with Colby,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to adding Colby to the roster this season and we’re counting on him to add some offence. With two years in the ‘Q,’ his experience will be a nice addition.”
Tower is ready to the challenge ahead of him and he believes his skill-set will translate into success at the OUA/USports level.
“As a player, I am a hard worker in all three zones. I have a good work ethic and play with lots of intensity. I think my strengths are my skating and offensive play,” Tower explained. “My expectations this season are to excel both on and off the ice at Nipissing. I want to contribute as much as I can to help the team be successful.”
Business is the program of choice for Tower, as he is able to continue his hockey career, all while earning an education.
The reputation Nipissing has developed as both a university and as a great place to play hockey caught his attention and he said the fit is just right.
“I chose Nipissing because of the school quality and the hockey program. Coach McParland has a reputation as a great coach. I also chose Nipissing because of the school size which gives a better professor/student ratio than most universities,” he noted.
“I am very excited to get things started at Nipissing.”
