With a return to the playoffs a must for the Nipissing Lakers men’s hockey team, they have made a conscious effort to improve their team.
The latest move to do so is bringing in a pair of gritty, reliable recruits, as the Lakers are happy to announce the signing of defeceman Matt Donnelly and forward Tyler Brown.
Both student-athletes spent last season with Portage of the ACAC, a competitive community college league based in Alberta. .
Lakers head coach Mike McParland said he likes how the two players play, compete and they should add some sandpaper to the Nipissing lineup.
“Matt Donnelly should add size and grit to our back end, an area we were a little bit undersized in the past couple of years," said McParland.
"We see Matt coming in and being a regular, with a potential of developing into a top 3-4 for us. I am happy to add a defenceman that should help us garner a little more respect in our end.
“With Tyler Brown we have a player coming to us that is a very hard hitter. Although not huge in stature, from all accounts I have, Tyler is a punishing checker. Capable of putting up points, we are looking for Tyler to come in the first year and increase our energy level and work ethic.”
Donnelly, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound defenceman from Barrie, ON played last season with the Portage Voyageurs of the ACAC, after wrapping up a successful junior career with the Truro Bearcats of the MJAHL, where he played 87 games.
He picked up 32 points during parts of two seasons and piled up 331 penalty minutes.
He also played a season in the QMJHL, split between Cape Breton and Drummondville, where he had six points and 72 penalty minutes.
He said he’s ready to make the jump to the next level and can’t wait to suit up with the Lakers.
“I’m excited to be joining the Lakers. I played in the ACAC last season, but it’s been my goal to play in USports since my last year of junior, so I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I like what I have heard about Coach McParland and the program. I have had my best personal success playing for coaches like Mike – the same style, so I’m excited to play for him and join the program.”
Brown was sidelined by injuries with Portage last season, but was able to combine physical play with putting up points in junior, piling up 154 points in 166 games in the MJAHL, where he spent most of his time with Miramichi and part of a season with South Shore.
He also suited up for Cape Breton in the QMJHL early in his junior career.
His best season came in 2014-15 with Miramichi, where he put up 20 goals, 38 assists, good for 58 points and added 117 penalty minutes, all in 41 games.
“I am very excited to be joining the Lakers program. I've heard nothing but good things about it from guys I know who have played there and who currently play there. It's a great opportunity for me to start my education at a quality school and further my hockey career,” Brown said. “I just want to come in and play my game and fit in wherever the coach needs me. Being a good teammate and having a positive attitude on and off the ice is something I'd like to bring every day to try and help the team be successful.”
Donnelly, who will begin a general BA at Nipissing, will add to the Lakers blueline, helping solidfy the defensive zone, but he also hopes he can chip in offensively when the opportunities present themselves.
“I’d say my style is nothing flashy, defence first. I try to chip in offensively when I can, but it’s more about my own end. I like to stick up for my teammates and be tough to play against,” he said. “Junior helped a lot, I learned a lot, especially in Truro. It’s a first class organization and prepares players very well for the next level.”
Brown, a business student, said he hopes his style translates to success for the team first, but also himself, as he transitions to the USports game.
“I like to consider myself as a grinder. I'm not the biggest guy out there, but I've always played a hard- nosed style that makes it hard for the other team every shift. My strengths are definitely my vision on the ice, my physical play, and my defensive awareness,” he stated. “I know there's a lot of returning guys for this season so I believe we should be able to put in a strong season.”
Two more solid additions to a strong recruiting class, the Lakers are excited about the upcoming season.
“Both players are welcome additions to the Lakers Men's Hockey program,” McParland added.