A member of the North Bay Junior ‘A’ Trappers organization made a special visit to the city of Calgary deliver the “C” to the club’s new captain for the upcoming season.

Team President Chris Dawson delivered the jersey, in person, to returning defenceman Matt Weisensel at a park overlooking the Southern Alberta city late last week.

The 6’1”, 185 pound Calgary native registered 1 goal and added 10 assists totaling 11 points in 35 games last season with the Jr. ‘A’ Trappers.

"It means everything to me,” Weisensel said after putting on the Trappers jersey with the “C” stitched on it.

“I've had a letter once or twice before but this is new and I've always looked forward to having it (the ‘C’). I saw myself as a leader last year and I really think I will own this and help the boys be the best they can be this year.

"I think we have a good group of guys, especially some of the players returning, they have good hearts and good work ethic, I think we will have a great team and I'm excited to be back!"

Jr. ‘A’ Trappers Head Coach and General Manager Ian Swalucynski identified the smooth skating defender as captain material early in the off-season.

“He’s a leader in the room and a great role model for future Trappers in the community,” said Swalucynski.

“We are thrilled he wants to come back here and he sees this organization as a place that can help him acquire an NCAA Division I hockey scholarship.”

Weisensel joins returning signed forwards J.P. Kascsak, Jonathan Aubertin, Adam Marceau, Darnell Koosees, and rookies Jonathan Dionne and Travis Fernley.

The North Bay Junior ‘A’ Trappers have taken a player from their past to help behind the bench.

North Bay native and former Skyhawks forward Nathan Hewitt has been named as an assistant coach with the Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club. 

Hewitt joins the Jr. A Trappers coaching staff after putting up 17 points in 20 games with the Nipissing Lakers Varsity Hockey Club last season.  Hewitt, the son of long-time Algonquin Barons High School hockey coach Dale Hewitt, is excited to carry on that family coaching tradition with the Junior ‘A’ Trappers.

“Coaching is pretty appealing to me because of the importance of coaching nowadays,” said Hewitt.

“I think it’s important for me to pass on the knowledge and expertise – everything I’ve learned over the years it is important to pass that on to the players that I will be working with.” 

In parts of 3 seasons with the Skyhawks from 2004 to 2007, Hewitt registered 53 points in 90 games.   Hewitt will also help out with the Midget AAA Trappers this season.

Trappers add Two Ontario Scouts

The Trappers also added two more experienced scouts to the organization as Rene Berube will take on the title of Northwestern Ontario Scout while Wayne McClelland has been added as a Northern Ontario Scout. 

Both scouts have a wealth of scouting experience that they bring to the organization.  Berube, a Thunder Bay native, has 10 years of scouting experience and scouted last season for the K & A Wolves of the SIJHL.

McClelland joins the club after 5 ½ seasons scouting for the Chatham Maroons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“I left the Maroon's on very good terms and wish them success in the future,” said the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario resident. 

“I got an offer from the Trappers and I decided to make the switch. This opportunity gives me a chance to be involved with a first class organization and to try and make a difference while promoting the NOJHL.”

Back with the Jr. Trappers. Forward Jonathan Aubertin (middle) stands with coach Ian Swalucynski (right) and new club president Chris Dawson. Photo by Randy Blake.

The North Bay Junior ‘A’ Trappers Hockey Club has re-signed to NOJHL All-Star forward Jonathan Aubertin for the upcoming season.

The 1992 birth year forward fired home 23 goals and 31 assists in his rookie season in the NOJHL with the Trappers.

The Sudbury Wolves draft pick (8th round, 2008) believes he has some unfinished business to take care of in his
sophomore season.

“I think we can do better than last year and I want to come back and prove to everyone we can do it,” said Aubertin.

Jr. ‘A’ Trappers Head coach and General Manager Ian Swalucynski feels Aubertin will continue to improve on his All-Star status in the NOJHL this fall.

“He was our number one centre-man last year as a rookie so he’ll be that much better this season coming up,” noted Swalucynski.

“He started to really come on at the end and unfortunately got hurt in the playoffs. We are excited to have him back and he’s excited to be back. He’s one piece of the puzzle that’s now already in place which is good and we hope this is a sign that the rest of the returnees want to sign as well."

New Junior ‘A’ Trappers president Chris Dawson is thrilled to see the Hearst product back on board.

“We want to hang that 4th banner next spring and we are glad Jon wants to be part of it,” said Dawson.

“He’s a talented young man and we hope he continues to develop with us. That’s a big part of our mandate to help our players get to the next level.”

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com/NBTrappers) for the latest updates and events.