FORT FRANCES — Former Lakehead Thunderwolves star Luke Judson is the new head coach of the Fort Frances Lakers.
The Superior International Junior Hockey League club announced the hiring on Wednesday. Judson, who last season served as general manager and as an assistant coach with the Lakers.
The 34-year-old said he’s looking forward to helping the team take the next steps to success, after the Lakers took the Thunder Bay North Stars to seven games in this year’s opening round of the SIJHL playoffs.
“My focus is on structure, culture, and professionalism - creating an environment where players can grow, compete, and represent this community with pride. Thank you to Tyler Miller for laying the foundation. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as a staff, and I’m excited to keep raising the bar for Junior hockey in Fort Frances,” Judson said in a release.
Judson, who spent five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and one with the Thunderwolves before embarking on a two-year pro career that saw him suit up for 110 games with four ECHL clubs, has extensive experience coaching across Fort Frances Minor Hockey.
He also spent a season playing for the SIJHL’s Thunder Bay Bearcats.
