New players paying off dividens

With the second part of the season on it's way and a few player changes before the January 10th cut off day, coach Dean Harvey and staff have been busy.

DJ Champagne is pleased to be joining the Mattawa Voyageurs for the second half of the 2011/2012 GMHL season coming from the rival Sturgeon Falls Lumberjacks in a Christmas break trade that saw the Lumberjacks receive future considerations from the Voyageurs. Champagne had skated with the Voyageurs during training camp but the teams could not come to terms on a agreement on a trade.  DJ is a five year GMHL veteran that has played for coach Harvey 2 years ago while he was an assistant with the Powassan Dragons in 2009/2010 season.

"DJ brings a ton of veteran experience and toughness to the Voyageurs and can play both forward or defence which makes him a valuable asset to the coaching staff during games.  He is a player who will only flourish with this group and increased ice time and become a key player in the stretch run and playoffs this season" said coach Harvey.  "When DJ played for me in Powassan, he was a player who would go through a wall for me and he is only older and stronger now at 20 years old and his 6'1" 205lbs frame" added Harvey.

Champagne had the same praise for his new bench boss.  "Coach Dean has always been straight forward with me and has always given me respect as a player and demands the same.  I am leaving a good team in the Lumberjacks but I know I am coming to a well coached and hard working Mattawa team and am excited to start the new year with them and contribute to the continued success going into the second half and playoffs" said Champagne.

The Voyageurs added a new goalie in Maxime Rousseau. Rousseau will be another top goalie in the GMHL with experience playing in the QMJHL and the OJHL.  Having two 21 year old goalies, bringing in Maxine will give the Voyageurs a seasoned veteran for next year also. Mattawa's third goalie Jake McTaggart has been sent to Algoma for the remainder of the season to get some ice time but he will return next year as he is only on loan.

Coach Dean then struck a deal with Elliot Lake for two players, Garrett Nystedt and Nelson Morningstar both 21 year olds that will give leadership to the team.  Nystedt played for the Bobcats in their first season and went on to play NCAA hockey in the States.  He is a fast, hard hitting leader that will help control a young Mattawa team.


From www.mattawavoyageursjrahockey.com