Oh Canada: First Two Player-Signings by the Lakers

Monday, June 3rd the Fort Frances Lakers held am event to kickoff this week’s signings of new players for the 2024-2025 hockey season. One of the first two signees was Grady Holden, a 6’0, 205lb defenseman who spent the 2023-24 season with the Thunder Bay Kings U18AAA program, competing in the GTHL’s U18AAA division. Holden was an affiliate player for Kam River last season, recording 4 penalty minutes in 2 contests for the Fighting Walleye.

The other signee was Dakota Cooper of Fort Frances a 6’0, 194lb forward spent the 2023-24 season with the Thunder Bay Kings U18AAA program, competing in the GTHL’s U18AAA division. Cooper was also a Lakers Affiliate Player last season, appearing in two contests for the Lakers.

Ed Gackley had both players on his Oh Canada Show and he talked to Dakota about being able to play for his hometown’s Junior League team.

Ed also talked to Grady about his goals for the future after he finishes playing Junior League.

They were then asked what their goals for the season were.

Dakota also talks about some of his stronger aspects on the ice.

Then it was Grady’s turn to share the strengths he brings to the team.

These two have already been putting in work in the offseason.

Ed also asked them about their favorite professional players and if the emulate their play style after them.

Another part of the Lakers that they will be apart of is the communal aspect and the team’s connection to the town.

So what is a team they look forward to playing in the Division?

They also mentioned a preference for away games because of bragging rights.

Grady and Dakota were also asked about favorite leisure activities.

And a rather funny story from Dakota was how he was deemed the “stinkiest” player on his high school team.

It was very appropriate that Dakota and Grady would both sign a contract together as they are coming onto the Lakers with plenty of chemistry.

Is there another player they hope will sign for the Lakers?

Dakota would share a little about his rookie lap he got to play on the Lakers.

For both players, this is their first time being able to sign onto a team,

Ed then would ask them about scoring and if they had any opportunities in previous seasons.

Best of luck to Dakota Cooper and Grady Holden in their 2024-2025 season as a Fort Frances Laker!