This year’s Grand Forks Border Bruins team looks to be a much improved squad from last year. Admittedly, the program has not had the greatest in the last few years, but with head coach and general manager Nick Deschenes returning and a few key signings and returning players, things are looking up for the squad.
With a full summer to recruit and evaluate players, Deschenes feels much more confident coming into the season. Last year, Deschenes stepped in a month before the season began for a one-win team with one returning player.
“It’s going really well,” he said. “I’ve made my rounds through B.C. I’ve identified quite a few players. I think there’s still a challenge in selling Grand Forks as a place for players to play Junior ‘B’ and develop. I’m kind of battling the history of the club.”
The club has announced the signing of four players that look to all be able to step in and help out right away. Signing with the club were: Corey Munro, a graduate of the Burnaby Winter Club Midget A1 team who tallied 12 goals and 18 assists in 44 games last season; Mitchell Pearson, who was selected MVP for his Fort St. James Midget team after tallying 45 goals and 32 assists in 34 games; Lincoln Lane, a 6’0 player from the Cloverdale Midget A1 team who amassed 42 goals and 93 points in 98 games over the past two seasons; and Christina Lake resident John Skeet, who played for the Kootenay Ice major midget team.
“Munro is a committed young man who will bring a physical presence and energy to our team,” said Deschenes. “He is physically mature to handle the Junior ‘B’ game and we look forward to working with him to realize his goals.”
– For full story, see Aug. 21 Grand Forks Gazette