OHL VETERAN ANDREW WILKINS COMMITS TO LAKEHEAD
June 23, 2009
THUNDER BAY, Ont. - Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey and head coach Joel Scherban are pleased to announce the commitment of standout two-way forward, Andrew Wilkins (Pickering, Ont.) for the 2009-10 season.
Wilkins, a 5-foot-10, 170 lb. athlete, joins the Wolves' roster following a four-year OHL career that included three full seasons with the London Knights, and one year with the Owen Sound Attack.
Originally a defenceman, Wilkins was shifted to forward while with the Knights. His offensive numbers improved during every season of his major junior career.
A right-hand shot, Wilkins enjoyed deep playoff runs with the Knights in 2006 and 2007. He is known as one of the best defensive forwards in the OHL, being named best defensive forward and hardest worker on his 2007-08 Knights' team. Wilkins was also recognized, in 2007-08, as one of the OHL Western Conference's top three defensive forwards in the annual OHL coaches' poll.
Wilkins ended his OHL career with a breakout offensive year with the Attack, posting 17 goals and 37 assists for 54 points in 65 games.
The 20-year-old Wilkins says several factors contributed to his decision to compete and study at Lakehead.
"I am very excited to play for a school that accepts nothing less than winning a national championship," said Wilkins. "Great fan support, one of the best rinks in the CIS, the campus, and the city of Thunder Bay are all reasons why I committed to Lakehead."
The forward should feel right at home, saying that Wolves' athletes Jordan C. Smith and Shandor Alphonso gave him a taste of the team's unity and competitive edge during his recruiting visit to Thunder Bay.
Coach Scherban commented on his new recruit's on-ice abilities.
"We are excited to welcome Andrew to the Lakehead University men's hockey program," said Scherban. "Andrew is an extremely versatile player who began his career in the Ontario Hockey League playing defence before being moved to forward by London Knight's coach Dale Hunter. Andrew has an exceptional work ethic and brings excellent leadership ability in addition to his on-ice skills."
Lakehead head coach Joel Scherban will be attending the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, beginning June 26 in Montreal.
Source: Lakehead Thunderwolves
Wilkins, a 5-foot-10, 170 lb. athlete, joins the Wolves' roster following a four-year OHL career that included three full seasons with the London Knights, and one year with the Owen Sound Attack.
Originally a defenceman, Wilkins was shifted to forward while with the Knights. His offensive numbers improved during every season of his major junior career.
A right-hand shot, Wilkins enjoyed deep playoff runs with the Knights in 2006 and 2007. He is known as one of the best defensive forwards in the OHL, being named best defensive forward and hardest worker on his 2007-08 Knights' team. Wilkins was also recognized, in 2007-08, as one of the OHL Western Conference's top three defensive forwards in the annual OHL coaches' poll.
Wilkins ended his OHL career with a breakout offensive year with the Attack, posting 17 goals and 37 assists for 54 points in 65 games.
The 20-year-old Wilkins says several factors contributed to his decision to compete and study at Lakehead.
"I am very excited to play for a school that accepts nothing less than winning a national championship," said Wilkins. "Great fan support, one of the best rinks in the CIS, the campus, and the city of Thunder Bay are all reasons why I committed to Lakehead."
The forward should feel right at home, saying that Wolves' athletes Jordan C. Smith and Shandor Alphonso gave him a taste of the team's unity and competitive edge during his recruiting visit to Thunder Bay.
Coach Scherban commented on his new recruit's on-ice abilities.
"We are excited to welcome Andrew to the Lakehead University men's hockey program," said Scherban. "Andrew is an extremely versatile player who began his career in the Ontario Hockey League playing defence before being moved to forward by London Knight's coach Dale Hunter. Andrew has an exceptional work ethic and brings excellent leadership ability in addition to his on-ice skills."
Lakehead head coach Joel Scherban will be attending the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, beginning June 26 in Montreal.
Source: Lakehead Thunderwolves