Wolves tag Junior A star McDonald to round out goaltending tandem

In search of a goaltender to replace Alex Dupuis, the Lakehead Thunderwolves have turned to a familiar source – Canada’s Junior A ranks.

The OUA hockey team on Wednesday announced former OCN Blizzard netminder Justin McDonald has agreed to continue his career in Thunder Bay, joining veteran returnee Jeff Bosch in the LU goal.

McDonald posted a 27-13-0 record with the Mantioba Junior Hockey League Blizzard in 2012-13, recording five shutouts and a .912 save percentage. he spent the previous two seasons with the Kindersley Klippers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. 

McDonald follows in the footsteps of Dupuis, who played Junior A in the Maritimes, and former Thunderwolves star Chris Whitley, who was with the Aurora Tigers before landing with the Wolves.

“I'm proud to join the wolf pack and represent Lakehead University, and I like the fact that it has smaller class sizes and more personal teaching,” McDonald said in a release issued by Thunderwolves management. 

“As for the hockey, Coach (Bill) McDonald is experienced and passionate about the game, and everyone I asked told me that Lakehead has the biggest fan base in CIS hockey.  That got my attention because I love playing in front of big crowds.” 

McDonald, the coach, said he liked what he saw in his newest recruit, adding he’ll be given every opportunity to win the No. 1 job.

“Justin has a great work ethic, and he keeps himself in top physical condition.  He’s a proven winner at the junior level, and I expect him to come here and compete for the starting position.”