Ontario Hockey Association

Using a page from the successful Sarnia Legionnaires Junior B hockey team's playbook, the Wallaceburg Lakers plan on having a number of events this summer to build the excitement for next season.

"I want to try and bring to this community the same as the Legionnaires did," Laker head coach Mark Davis said. "I can't see why not."

Davis understands that the Wallaceburg region is hurting economically, but he said if the community embraces the Lakers, it would give them something to talk about and give Wallaceburg some identity.

While the Lakers have been successful in attracting fans and raising a bit of money to keep the community-owned Lakers going, Davis only has to look up Highway 40 to see how a team has used marketing to thrive.

The Legionnaires have been successful both on and off the ice.

On the ice the Legionnaires won the Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League and are taking part in the Sutherland Cup, which is the final playoff round for the Ontario Junior B championship.

Off the ice the Legionnaires have also prospered, as they regularly attract large crowds numbering over 1,000. The Sarnia club has formed partnerships with the local Legion for various promotions and also reverted to the historic Legionnaires name, as they were called in the 1960s.

A number of Lakers are key members of the Sarnia club, including goalie Matt Bergland, sniper Tyler Peters and defenceman Jordan Black and Justin Young.

Plans for the Lakers include a golf tournament to be held June 27 at the Baldoon Golf Course. Davis said he is hoping alumni will come out, especially those from the 1999 championship team.

For more information on the golf tournament call Laker President Paul Bilodeau at 519-380-5737.

Starting on June 22, Davis will be having skating sessions for peewee players on Monday nights, midget/juniors on Wednesday's and Bantams on Wednesday as well.

The on-ice sessions will take place at the Moore Sports Complex. For more information call Davis at 519-862-1108.