The North Bay U18 AAA Trappers are gearing up for a promising season, with new head coach Josh Dale leading the charge. After spending seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Powassan Voodoos, Dale is taking the reins for the Trappers and looking forward to developing this young, talented group.
The Trappers will face the Sault Ste. Marie U18 Greyhounds in a preseason match on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Espanola before opening their regular season on the road on Friday, Sept. 27, against the New Liskeard Cubs. Their home opener will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Memorial Gardens, where they’ll square off against the North Bay U16 Trappers.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Dale admits, reflecting on his quick transition from the Voodoos to the Trappers. “I left the Voodoos year-end banquet and was right back at the rink for Trappers tryouts,” Dale said earlier this spring. “But I’m really excited about the group we have this year. We have a lot of talent, and the focus is on building not only skilled players but great young men.”
Dale says he is putting that emphasis on creating a team built on respect, discipline, and hard work.
“One thing I told the boys during tryouts was that I’m not only looking for great hockey players — I want great people,” Dale says. “We want a championship roster, but we also want to make sure they leave this season as better human beings.”
The transition to head coach has been a learning experience for Dale, but he’s embracing the challenge. “I've learned quickly how much work it is,” says Dale, who works full-time at Ontario Northland and has to balance those duties with his duties as a head coach. “At the ONR, there I have regular hours, but as a coach, there are no set hours, the job doesn’t end. I’ve never had to worry about recruiting before and this year it was something I had to do. There’s also a big difference between the two leagues. With the Trappers it’s a family atmosphere, and that’s different than what I experienced in the NOJHL because in Powassan, they have more players from outside the local area and they can be traded and get moved around in different ways. With the Trappers, the players are mostly local and the parents and families are helping run the team, and everyone helps to achieve the same goals.”
The Trappers are expected to rely on several standout players this season. General manager of the Powassan Voodoos, Chris Dawson, sees a lot of potential in several Trappers who are also affiliating with the Voodoos.
“We’re expecting a big year from Ben Brunton,” Dawson says. “He had a strong camp with us this summer and was impressive at the Chowder Cup in Boston. Offensively, he’ll be a key player for the Trappers.”
Dawson also highlighted forward Noah Kozmik and defenseman Jackson Culin as players who will take on bigger roles this year. “Noah has great speed and scored some big goals for the Trappers last season. He’s ready to take the next step. And Jackson Culin — he’s a veteran blueliner who impressed at our Voodoos camp. I believe he is going to help out a lot on the power play.”
Dawson went on to mention several other players who will be integral to the team’s success this season, including Owen Head, who brings a strong work ethic and leadership to the team, and power forward Ty Brunet, who had a solid showing at the Voodoos main camp.
Dale says that is a partnership he actively encourages.
“Right from the start I’ve told all my players to be involved with the Voodoos as much as possible. As an assistant coach with the Voodoos for seven years, I know how special the organization is and I want my players to know that I want that for them. I think it will help the players and our team because it builds confidence and sends a message to them, as well,” says Dale.
Top that off with two 2024 North Bay Battalion picks in defenceman Aydin Beharie and power forward Cam Lockhart, and the U18 Trappers should have a lineup that can push them to a championship like the Trappers U18 squad of 2022-2023.
Rob Graham, the Trappers’ goaltending coach, is excited about the team’s goalie tandem for the upcoming season. Logan Coates and Carson Ruddy will be splitting duties in the net, and Graham has high expectations for both.
“Logan Coates is a promising talent,” Graham says. “He’s got size, and his work ethic is unmatched. He’s continuing to develop his goalie IQ, and I think he’s going to make a big impact this year.”
As for Ruddy, Graham describes him as a calm, consistent presence between the pipes. “Carson’s ability to read plays and react quickly is impressive,” he says. “His calm demeanour elevates the play of the team in front of him. Together, Logan and Carson will provide us with a solid foundation in net.”
The Trappers are coming off a season where they finished fifth overall in the Great North U18 League, but with a new coach, a roster filled with potential, and strong leadership from returning players, expectations are higher this year. Dale is confident that the hard work the players have put in during the offseason will pay off.
“We’ve had some great practices so far,” Dale says. “It’s been fun learning what kind of team we have and watching the players figure out what kind of coach I am. We’ve already won our first exhibition game, and I’m excited to see where this group goes. I think fans in North Bay will want to keep an eye on this team as we grow and develop throughout the year.”
