The Nipissing Lakers varsity women's hockey team continues making a deep connection with the North Bay & District Girls Hockey Association.
This past summer, the minor hockey association adopted the Jr. Lakers nickname to honour the connection.
The two groups have worked together since the Lakers Women’s Hockey team was introduced in 2012-13 and a number of players have made the jump from the U18 AA team to the Lakers including star players like the Dominico sisters, Maria and Malory.
Just recently, the two organizations celebrated Jr. Lakers Day as part of a local girl's minor hockey tournament that took place that weekend.
In fact, on that day the City of North Bay also declared November 3, Jr. Lakers Day.
That day, the Nipissing Lakers announced they were signing four letters of intent and one verbal commitment to a group of talented local players.
The group includes a pair of longtime teammates and close friends in Gracie Roynon and Taylor Yeo.
Roynon, is a 2006 birth year defender with the U18AA Jr. Lakers.
“It’s an absolute honour to have the opportunity to commit to such a successful woman’s hockey organization while being able to stay in my hometown," said Roynon.
"It has been a dream of mine to play for Nipissing for years, committing makes it feel like a reality”
Taylor Yeo is a 2006 birth year forward from U18AA Jr.Lakers
“Growing up playing hockey in North Bay, I always watched the Nipissing Lakers and dreamed of playing for this team," she said.
"It is such an honour and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at this level of hockey.”
Hannah Brunton has also been a longtime teammate of Roynon and Yeo. She's a 2006 birth year goaltender from U18AA Jr.Lakers
“I'm truly honoured to have the opportunity to play for the Lakers, and remain locally with this highly respected team," said Hannah.
"I've been working towards this goal for several years, and I'm proud to represent all of the local players that look to achieve this goal in their future as well.”
Layne Barrette, who joined the Jr. Lakers this season, is a 2006 birth year goaltender from the Sudbury area.
“What it means for me to commit to Nipissing University is gratification for all of the years of hard work in the rink, the gym, and the classroom," she said.
"I’m overjoyed with emotion as I understand that this is an excellent opportunity to progress my hockey career with one of the top teams in Canada.”
The Lakers varsity women's team also committed verbally to 2008 birth year defender Jorja Dugas for the 2026-27 season.
“I am truly honoured to be acknowledged by such an amazing organization," said Dugas.
"I am excited to continue working towards my goals since it has always been a dream of mine to play for the Nipissing Lakers.”
