Anishinabek News

Sam on Sports: Troy Lajeunesse

Published

5 months ago

July 14, 2023

Dokis First Nation member Troy Lajeunesse will play pro hockey this upcoming season with Scotland’s Fife Flyers.

By Sam Laskaris

DOKIS FIRST NATION – Sometimes in life we have to readjust our goals.

Take Troy Lajeunesse for example.

When he was much younger, Lajeunesse, a member of Dokis First Nation in Northern Ontario, was much like any other child who was playing hockey. The dream was to grow up and play in the National Hockey League.

Lajeunesse, who is now 26, is still playing hockey; however, he realized several years ago that he wouldn’t suit up for a franchise in the world’s premier hockey circuit, so he altered his aspirations.

In part because of his frame – he’s 5-foot-9 and weighs 168 pounds – he felt he would perhaps have a better chance of earning a living as a pro hockey player in Europe where there is more of a focus on skill than size.

And now Lajeunesse is mere weeks away from commencing his first full season as a professional hockey player overseas.

Despite its historic past, chances are you’ve never heard of the squad that Lajeunesse will play for.

This past week it was announced that he had signed a contract to play for the Scotland-based Fife Flyers.

The Flyers are one of 10 squads that participate in the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

Besides Scotland, this pro loop consists of clubs from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The Flyers, established in 1938, are the oldest pro hockey squad in the U.K., and it won’t be a bad gig for Lajeunesse. A handful of minor pro franchises in the United States had expressed interest in him via his agent Nick Shackford.

Lajeunesse’s European agent Ron Newhook, was able to land him a more lucrative deal with the Fife squad.

Lajeunesse is thrilled that he will now have peace of mind for the remainder of the summer knowing where he will play during the 2023-24 season.

Had he waited until perhaps late August, there’s a good chance Lajeunesse would have been able to ink a two-way deal with a club in the American Hockey League, the top minor pro circuit on this continent. But a two-way deal would have probably also meant that he would spend a good chunk of the upcoming season, if not all of it, with an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team.

Though the upcoming season will mark his first full one as a professional, Lajeunesse has already had a brief taste of the pro life.

After he wrapped up his playing career with the University of Prince Edward Panthers this past March, Lajeunesse headed to Georgia where he suited up for the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates.

He appeared in 10 regular season matches with the Ghost Pirates and earned eight points, including his first two pro goals.

Besides offering him a better financial deal than he in all likelihood would have received had he stayed on this side of the Atlantic, the Flyers will provide Lajeunesse a place to stay and the use of a car.

Though his future does not include playing in NHL rinks in Toronto, New York, and Chicago, Lajeunesse is ecstatic his readjusted goal is about to become reality.

Anishinabek News

Administrative Coordinator

Published

16 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Executive Assistant to the Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR)

Published

16 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Anishinabek News

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund launches $15,000 fundraiser for GivingTuesday

Published

22 hours ago

November 27, 2023

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation on GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. – Photo supplied

THUNDER BAY (November 22, 2023) — Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, an Indigenous children’s charity providing essentials to youth in remote First Nations in Northwestern Ontario, is announcing the launch of a special fundraiser in recognition of GivingTuesday.

In alignment with the global GivingTuesday movement, Mikinakoos Children’s Fund aims to raise $15,000 to provide vital winter clothing to 18 First Nations, collaborating with the KO First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation. The initiative seeks to purchase over 1,500 coats for children in these regions, ensuring they are equipped to brave the harsh winter months.

“The winter season can be particularly challenging in the remote areas we serve, where many children lack access to proper winter gear,” said Mikinakoos Executive Director Emily Shandruk. “Mikinakoos Children’s Fund believes that every child deserves the warmth of hope during the colder months. With this in mind, we’re launching this crucial campaign to make a positive impact.”

Recent support from TD Canada Trust’s Ready Commitment Funding, a $50,000 grant over two years, is boosting Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s Warm Clothing initiatives, of which this initiative is a part. With growing requests from various communities and organizations, Mikinakoos’ GivingTuesday funding alone wouldn’t have sufficed. Thanks to the extra support, the charity can now ensure that no child is left without essential resources.

GivingTuesday, which falls on November 28, marks the opening day of the giving season—a global movement encouraging people to come together for a day of generosity and positive change. Mikinakoos invites individuals and organizations alike to join in the effort to make a difference.

Here’s how you can contribute:

Donate: Your contribution, regardless of size, will bring Mikinakoos Children’s Fund closer to its $15,000 goal. Every dollar counts. GivingTuesday falls on November 28; however, this fundraiser will run until December 31.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make a wider impact.

“The remoteness of the communities we serve presents challenges in shipping and distributing necessities, such as food, sporting equipment, and winter gear, especially with the absence of permanent roads,” said Shandruk. “Climate change has further exacerbated the inconsistency of ice road conditions, making the delivery of essential items even more difficult.”

Please consider contributing to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s GivingTuesday campaign through this link or by texting “WARMCOATS” to 807-500-1522. Interviews with spokespeople from Mikinakoos Children’s Fund are available upon request.

About Mikinakoos Children’s Fund

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is a charity created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and shelter to First Nations children residing in remote communities. Join us on this journey to create positive change and secure the safety and wellbeing First Nations children. Engage with Mikinakoos Children’s Fund on social through #FirstNationKidsFirst.

Contact:

Victoria Belton
Senior Consultant
Media Profile
Tel: 416-992-5179