25-26 Lumberjack Season Preview
By Brett Richter
The 24-25 season for the Ironwood Lumberjacks was a season of change. Normally, any off-season for a Junior A affiliated hockey program is busy with player recruitment, billeting procurement, venue contracts, scheduling and more. With a new home in Ironwood not secured until August 1 of 2024, the Lumberjacks franchise not only battled the regular off-season challenges; they also relocated the franchise to Ironwood, Mi. Quite simply, the Lumberjacks entered last season in scramble mode.
But the 25-26 Lumberjacks season dawns with a new focus, a new commitment, and a new burst of positive energy. Fueled by a strong returning core of veterans, several venue improvements, a re-energized coaching staff and a strong management commitment, the expectations for the upcoming season are legitimately bolstered.
In the off season, Head Coach and GM Doug Lein made several off-ice announcements including the return of assistant coach CJ Sorensen, the addition of goaltender coach Paige Moilanen, a new three-year lease between the Lumberjacks and the City of Ironwood, and a renovated locker room facility for the home Lumberjacks. On ice announcements from President Sophia Lein included the return of Will Porter (Captain for the 25-26 season), Jake Scott, Gavin Lafferty, Hayden Patterson, Félix St-Onge, Jack Hanna, Chase Krtanjek, Tim Hanulik, and Jack Carruthers; six forwards and three defensemen.
When asked about the upcoming season, Lumberjacks captain Will Porter said, “The returning players have met several times over the off season. We are returning to Ironwood with a completely different attitude and intent. As the core group, we are 100% committed to the entire program. We will train hard, practice hard, and play hard. The new players coming in will be expected to match our commitment. From that commitment will come better play and more wins.” Porter went on to say the entire team values the community of Ironwood, the energizing fan base, and the feeling of home. In Porter’s words, “The community is welcoming, inviting, and genuine. If I can’t be home, this is a great place to be.”
Training camp began on Tuesday, September 2. During the initial team meeting for the upcoming season, Head Coach Doug Lein told the team, “Last season was tough. As a coach, I wasn’t good enough and that’s up to me. We all need to be accountable, and accountability leads you to a good spot. This year will be different. My coaching will be tougher, but understand, it is not personal, it is not mean. Tough coaching isn’t personal, it comes from a place of love – love of the game, love of the team and love for the players. When we all buy in to the culture, good things will happen.”
Returning defenseman Jake Scott of Golden, Colorado is back for a second season in Ironwood. Last year, Scott arrived in Ironwood in December via a trade with the Red Lake Miners; a process that required maturity and discipline. Once in Ironwood, Scott’s playing time increased, and he found a new home. When reflecting back, Scott said, “It was a learning year for sure. Losses, while no fun, led to learning. My playing time increased over the season, and I committed to getting better. But this is a different year, a different mindset and a different culture. Desire is the key to this season. As a team, we need all the guys 100 percent in for every activity. We are going to be a lot more competitive and a lot more physical. Our games will be a good show to watch and a lot of fun.”
The challenges of the 24-25 inaugural season in Ironwood are still visible in the rearview mirror. The lessons learned in that season are not lost on the returning players as the new season quickly approaches. The veterans vow to bring the new players on board and not allow them to experience last year’s pains. The team promises the local fans a strong work ethic while buying in to the team philosophy. In the words of defenseman Jake Scott, “We will be the best entertainment in Ironwood for the next eight months.”
The Ironwood Lumberjacks open the 25-26 season with a home weekend challenge from the Thunder Bay North Stars on September 19 & 20. The North Stars finished the 24-25 season in third place with 32 wins in 50 games. The North Stars will prove to be a strong early test for the character of the Lumberjacks. Puck drops at 7 PM at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center on the campus of Gogebic Community College.