Junior C Otters get ready for a new season with some exciting changes

The off-season for the Junior C Otters has been busy behind the scenes with the organization working hard for the upcoming 2022-23 hockey season.

The organization has been getting ready for the new season and adding new staff to the bench along with players. The team has welcomed a new head coach, local and proud, Jason Farnsworth. Farnsworth or “Farmer” as many know him as, has coached throughout the HMHA (Huntsville Minor Hockey Association), winning four OMHA (Ontario Minor Hockey Association) championships at different levels. Coach Farnsworth is also a former Junior C Huntsville player.

Marc Gagnon, former head coach and General Manager will be leaving the Otter organization as he has accepted an opportunity with the Espanola Jr A team as their new GM as of August 2^nd but will be helping out in the transition period until a new GM is found for the Otters.

“I would like to thank the board of Monty, Brian, Deb and Steve for the last 5 years. The team has been very good to myself and to Glen (son and former Otters player) when he was playing in Huntsville. Thank you to Bob, Tim, and Barry for all the time given to help the team over the years. The team is looking good and strong for the upcoming season and is in good hands with coach Farmer. I also want to thank all the local businesses that support Otters hockey. Lastly, the fans who come game in [and] game out to support the team and the players over the years – thank you!!” said Gagnon.

Returning to the bench for another season is coach Jon Percival. He will be coaching Defense. The Otters have added a trainer to their bench, Shawn Shank. Shank is a Registered Nurse at the North Bay Hospital and was the trainer for the U18 North Bay AAA hockey team. Long-time Otter Bob Mortimer is back as the trainer as well. The team is very lucky to have Mortimer back bringing his skills and knowledge to the team. Tim Horton is also back as the equipment manager. Barry Parish is also returning after a year away to do game stats. Parish will be a valuable addition to coach ‘Farmer.’

Preparing for the season, the Junior C Otters had skates in early June in Barrie and in July in Humphrey. Both were said to be very

successful prospect skates. Attendance of potential hockey players was very good and the skill level was high. The team named Adam Lewis captain of the team. Lewis is in his final year and brings strong leadership on and off the ice. “We are lucky to have a player like Adam lead the way for us” added Gagnon.

New Otter players have been signed from the skate dates. The Otters welcome Nick Cooper, younger brother of former Otter Brock Cooper. Cody Lavoie will also be joining them from the Timmins U18 hockey team. Defenceman, Caleb Shank of the North Bay U18 AAA hockey team. Defenceman, Chase Anderson who was an alternate player with the Otters last season. Forward, Logan Therrien who was captain of the Huntsville U18 hockey team and an alternate player with the team. Forward, Mathew Morse from Newmarket will bring a much-needed offensive touch. A good core of local vets will be back as well for the upcoming season.

This past Saturday, August 6, the Otters held a goalie camp in Huntsville due to the high interest and had 16 prospects come to skate. With a successful day, six goalies have been invited to the Otter’s main camp to show their skills. Any players wishing to attend main camp can do so by contacting Marc Gagnon at [email protected] .

The Otters hit the ice for main camp August 27 and 28 with the Annual Blue-White game set for Wednesday, August 31. The team also has a new voice for the home games – MC – Brock Cunningham from the Moose FM Huntsville. Come and cheer on your 2022-23 Junior C Otters!!