July 5, 2012 - Laurentian University will soon begin the process of selecting coaches for the 2013 season of men’s and women’s varsity hockey at Laurentian. The hiring process was given the green light with the formal approval of the University’s multi-year budget by Laurentian’s Board of Governors on June 22nd.
“Our coaches are the first key piece in our plans to build two successful varsity teams,” said Athletics Director Peter Hellstrom. “This has been a long time coming, and we’re very excited about the next steps toward the dropping of the puck in 2013.”
While next year’s OUA season will mark the debut of women’s hockey at Laurentian, mens’ Voyageur hockey will be returning to the ice after a 13-year hiatus. The men’s squad will build on a storied history of remarkable players and coaching talent. On the ice, Denis Castonguay is one of the most recognizable names among the many Voyageur hockey alumni. A member of the Voyageurs from 1983-1988, Castonguay still holds the OUA records for career points (265), career goals (124), points in a season (72), and goals in a season (35). Behind the bench, Jack Porter was among the notable coaches in Voyageur history. Porter coached Laurentian hockey from its inception in 1962 through to 1973, and for three more seasons through the 1970’s and 1980’s. During his tenure, Porter guided the Voyageurs to 7 conference championships culminating in a trip to the CIAU championship game in 1967. Both Castonguay and Porter are members of the Alumni Voyageur Hall of Fame.
“The return of varsity hockey is thrilling for students, for the university community, and we believe it’s also a great development for the City,” said Chris Mercer, Chief of Staff at Laurentian University. “Our athletes have had a lot of success in recent years and we are very proud that OUA hockey will be back at Laurentian in a big way.”
Hellstrom said the coaching staff will be crucial in player recruitment and development, but will also play a leading role in hockey in the broader community. “Our coaches will be mentoring and supporting hockey at all levels, through schools and camps. We intend on re-establishing the Voyageur brand in hockey, and backing it up with an excellent coaching corps.”
When asked about the goals for the teams, Hellstrom added, “We’re going to be competitive from day 1. We’re going to be very aggressive in drawing the best from all the superb hockey talent that’s out there.” Continue to follow the development of the hockey program and the rest of the Lady Vees and Voyageurs at www.luvoyageurs.com.