The Sioux Lookout Bombers are providing a forward, two defencemen and a goaltender as part of the 20-man Holiday Showcase squad for the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).
Captain Kaden Veller (Macklin, Saskatchewan) will be accompanied by Brodie Wood (Vancouver, British Columbia), Michael Casey (East Bethel, Minnesota) and Matthew Ofukany (Tisdale, Saskatchewan) for the two-game event against the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday January 2 and Saturday January 3 at Fort William Gardens.
Veller admits he was excited and thankful when he got the call to play in the event.
“There are definitely some rivalries throughout the league, but I’m sure will all be able to put it to the side for a few days,” added Veller. “We’ll be on the same team with the same goal and working together as teammates.”
Casey is also looking forward to the opportunity in January.
“Because I’m American, I never really knew a whole lot about USports and what it was until I got to Sioux Lookout,” Casey added. “Now that I have the opportunity to play against one of their teams is a super special opportunity for me that I couldn’t pass up.”
Wood is credited with 26 points for the Bombers this season. Veller has 11 points in 20 games while Casey has 15 points in 22 games.
Ofukany has a 10-5-1 record in 15 games to go along with a 2.35 goals against average and a save percentage of .934.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to compete against players at the next level,” said Ofukany. “It will be a cool thing. It will also be nice knowing a few guys and just enjoying another weekend with your teammates and friends.”
The SIJHL squad will be made up of four members from the Thunder Bay North Stars and Fort Frances Lakers along with three players from the Kam River Fighting Walleye and Red Lake Miners. The Dryden GM Ice Dogs will contribute two players for the event.
Carson Johnstone (Bombers), Matt Valley (North Stars) and Luke Judson (Lakers) will be behind the bench for the SIJHL Stars.
