Lakehead lands first recruit for 2020-21 campaign

THUNDER BAY -- The Lakehead Thunderwolves have started to retool in preparation for next season. 

The OUA men’s hockey club on Monday announced the signing of defenceman Colin Van Den Hurk, of Havelock, Ont. who will join the club in 2020-21. 

Van Den Hurk spent last season with the Trenton Golden Hawks of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, scoring 13 goals and 29 assists in 50 games. 

He spent the 2018-19 campaign playing for the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and spent parts of two seasons playing for the Ontario Hockey League’s Kingston Fronenacs, spliting time with the Kingston Voyageurs. 

“I’m really happy to be coming to Lakehead University to continue my hockey career as well as my education. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me get this far and I’m looking forward to the next step,” the 20-year-old said in a release issued on Monday by the team. 

T-Wolves coach Andrew Wilkins said Van Den Hurk’s addition will strengthen Lakehead’s blue-line going forward. 

“Colin has impressed me with his speed, skill and work ethic, and he fits in with how we want to build our back end.  He’s a great kid with strong character and will be a welcome addition to our dressing room,” Wilkins said.