THUNDER BAY – The Lakehead Thunderwolves may earn Thunder Bay a new nickname – the City of Brotherly Love, Part 2.
The men’s hockey team on Tuesday doubled up on prospect announcements, unveiling the signing of twin brothers Dylan and Noah Massie of Saint-Lazare, Que., who most recently played for the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Wellington Dukes.
Dylan Massie, a 6-foot-1 forward, was fourth on the Dukes last season with 48 points, potting 16 goals in 54 games.
Brother Noah, a defenceman with 93 games of Quebec Major Junior Hockey League experience under his belt, had two goals and give assists in 28 games with Wellington.
Noah spent time with the Moncton Wildcats and Charlottetown Islanders between 2016 and 2019.
Both players said Lakehead felt like the right choice at the right time.
“I’m extremely excited to be attending Lakehead University to further my studies. Looking forward to being a part of the Lakehead Thunderwolves and competing for a championship,” said Dylan, in a release issued by the OUA team.
Brother Noah echoed his sentiments.
“I’m very excited to get this opportunity to attend Lakehead University to further my studies. Playing hockey at the highest level I can is everything for me and I believe Lakehead is the perfect spot. Can’t wait to get started,” Noah said.
Lakehead coach Andrew Wilkins, who will have to wait until at least January to see the two newcomers in game action thanks to COVID-19 schedule cancellations, said Dylan Massie brings plenty of speed to the Wolves front end.
“First thing that stood out was Dylan’s skating ability. Dylan competes hard, uses his size to protect and hang onto pucks to maximize his play-making ability,” Wilkins said.
“Dylan is continuing to improve and we see a lot of potential in his game, a bit of a late bloomer – we are excited to add his style of game to our roster and we feel that his development path in our program will only continue to grow and get better.”
His twin will be a great fit on the LU blue-line, Wilkins added.
“Noah is a well-rounded defenseman who skates very well, has the ability to possess and move pucks well all over the ice. Noah was very steady for Wellington and was used in every scenario for a top team. Noah will be a good fit for our young D and compliment the way we want to build our group,” the veteran coach said.
Dylan’s junior coach describes as a true 200-foot player who uses his speed to his advantage.
“ Since we got him in 2018 he has added another dimension to our team with his ability to dominate in the offensive zone below the tops of the circles. Every day for Dylan was a workday at the rink, and his progression as a person and a player were huge over the year and a half in Wellington,” said Derek Smith, the OJHL coach of the year in 2020.
“Noah’s skating ability and agility is second to none. He has a great offensive mind, and that shows with his ability to run the power play and his first touches on breakouts and transition. His intangibles are what set him apart from other players. His commitment to playing the game hard, blocking shots and sacrificing his body in his own end are a big reason why we were as successful as a team last season.”
