Lakers Trade Captain To Lakeshore

An odd combination of news came down in regards to the PJHL’s Wallaceburg Lakers over the weekend.

While snagging their first win on Sunday night, a 6-5 decision over Petrolia, the score sheet showed the Lakers had done so without steadfast d-man and captain Colton Coates. The transaction wire showed a little more.

Coates, a 20-year-old Belle River native, was dealt to the Lakeshore Canadiens on October 21.

Lakers co-owner and head coach Joe Byrne Jr suggested the move should benefit the 6’8″ d-man.

“Colton gets to play close to home in a familiar environment and I fully expect him to thrive in Lakeshore,” said Byrne. “We wish him all the best”

Coates had 3 assists and 28 penalty minutes through 8 games on the Lakers back-end.

Wallaceburg received cash in return from Lakeshore in the deal.

Byrne told 99.1 CKXS the Lakers are not expected to name a new captain for the remainder of the season. Cory Lucier will be added as an assistant captain.

The coach is excited for the team’s latest acquisition, Toronto’s Matthew Brevetti, who made an immediate impact. Brevetti takes Coates spot as an “import” player, and looked good doing so, dishing three assists in his first game.

Brayden Kettlewell has also joined the line-up after early season anticipation. Kettlewell sat out the first handful of games while recovering from injury. The Brantford product grabbed two goals including the game winner on Sunday.

The Lakers have also released Bronson Bea, who was set to miss the season due to an injury. Dale McMaster and Cody Nicolaisen have also been released.