Courtesy Gary Moskalyk, The Chronicle-Journal
Being a walk-on in your freshman year as a defenceman for the Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey club is not an enviable task. Former North Star Aaron Wesley-Chisel reached out to Athletic Director Tom Warden in August, got the invite from assistant coach Andrew Wilkins, and has impressed enough to stick around.
He figures to see a little action next weekend as the ‘Wolves open the season with a pair of non-conference games against Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. On October 6 and 7 LU has another pair of non-conference games against Concordia at the Gardens.
“Coach said I skated well,” said Wesley-Chisel after a late practice at Delaney Arena on Wednesday. “So yeah, I’m playing with the team now.”
Heading into camp, Wesley-Chisel knew the odds were stacked against him.
“Pretty slim. I asked around, too, what everyone thought,” he said, assessing his chances going into camp. “They thought it was pretty slim as well, just by the body language they were giving me. And I thought it was pretty slim as well considering they have a lot of defence. I didn’t care. It just makes me skate harder.”
Wesley-Chisel had a 40-point year with the Thunder Bay North Stars junior A hockey team during the 2015-16 campaign, playing in all 56 games. Last year he notched 12 in 40 SIJHL games, with 48 penalty minutes.
“I play good defensively and that’s all I wanted to bring to the team is just playing defence,” Wesley-Chisel said.
The former North Star, who weighs in at 185 pounds, and stands six-feet “with a pair of shoes on” is adjusting to life as a university player. His uncle, Corey Wesley, worked with Wesley-Chisel all summer, as did Jeff and Gary Ricciardi, to pack on some muscle.
“The tempo’s faster. You have to make quicker decisions. At the same time, if everyone is in position the game can be pretty simple. (Head coach Bill McDonald) is more systematic. He wants everyone to be in position.”
Jonathon Masters and Brett Wolframe join Wesley-Chisel fresh off the North Stars’ roster. Daniel Del Paggio, Matt Alexander, Brennen Dubchak and Devin Fullum are also alumni North Stars suiting up for the Thunderwolves this year.
Aaron-Wesley figures his lone goal in scrimmage served him well.
“I tried to play consistent throughout the training camp. Tried not get deep defensively, move the puck up. One play, my d-partner passed me the puck and it was just slow enough to walk right into. I ended up scoring. I think that’s the play that stuck out the most.”
The Thunderwolves were severely tested last year as the d-corps was decimated by injuries heading into the late stages of last season. Coach McDonald appreciates the hard work and positive attitude Wesley-Chisel brings to the roster.
“I knew he was coming in as a walk-on,” said McDonald of the right-handed shooting Wesley-Chisel. “I also knew he did a tremendous amount of summer conditioning to make the team. He came in here and not only impressed me but the rest of the coaching staff. I don’t like to earmark guys — but he’s an eighth defenceman and he should be proud of that.
“I’ll give him a game in the non-conference games and see how it goes. One thing about the kid is he can skate. I think he has to learn a little bit about the defensive part. He’s eager, he’s pretty good academically. He’s done nothing bad and everything right to make the team.”
Added Wesley-Chisel: “I’m just glad to be a part of the team. Got my foot in the door.”
Overall, the Thunderwolves will carry 27 skaters (16 forwards, eight defencemen and three goaltenders.
Seven seniors on the team include Austin McDonald, Dylan Butler, Trevor Hynnes, Brennan Dubchak, E.J. Faust, Tyler Anton and Justin McDonald.
Lakehead opens non-conference play on Sept. 29 at Fort William Gardens against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. The OUA regular season is set to start on Oct. 13 on the road.
“I’m excited about the team we have this year,” Bill McDonald said in a news release on Friday. “We have several good additions — some with local ties, and a couple of former NCAA players that we were fortunate enough to recruit. Combined with our returnees, it makes for an interesting team that should have a lot of depth. That creates competition which is good for a team. I’m looking forward to the getting the season underway.”
The Thunderwolves will be on hand at Intercity Shopping Centre today from 2-4 p.m. for Fan Fest. Players will be signing autographs and hosting giveaway contests.
Photo credit: Gary Moskalyk