Innisfil Lakers begin 2007/2008 hockey season
by Michelle Minnoch

The Innisfil Lakers held their first practice on Monday night. photos by Michelle Minnoch

In sporting terms, when referring to the Lakers, most people think NBA and the L.A. Lakers. Not anymore! The Innisfil Lakers, Innisfil's first A-Team, is finally getting their season underway and are hoping for a big turnout for their first home game on October 12th at the new Innisfil Recreation Centre.

The Innisfil Lakers will be the 13th team in their league, and will be playing teams from Bradford, Peterborough, and King City to name a few.

The team consists of 15 to 20 year olds, and some of the players on the team are from Wisconsin, Michigan, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and from as far away as Sweden.

Team General Manager Dan Garneau said that is why billets are needed from families in the community. Some of the players will need to live with families in Innisfil from September to about April and the league will pay families $400 per month to cover any costs for the billeting. "We currently need about six families to participate."

Until the IRC is ready, the team will be practicing out of the Stroud Arena. They will practice Monday to Thursday at 5pm, and Russell said spectators are welcome to come out and watch what the Lakers have to offer.

"We encourage residents to come out." He said if people are thinking about getting involved with the billeting, they are more then welcome to come out to meet the coaches and the players.

He said the players in the league are all about developing their skills to reach the next level, so the hockey will be very competitive.

The Innisfil Lakers are also looking for team sponsors. "We're looking to business owners that would like to have their name associated with the team."

There are different packages available for sponsorship; the Platinum Package ($10,000) includes a banner with the company logo behind the home team bench, company logo on 6the home and away jersey, ad in the program, announcement of the company name at the beginning of each period, official media sponsor, and twenty tickets to every home game. There is also a Gold Package ($7,500), Silver Package ($5,000) and Bronze Package ($2,500) available as well.

Russell said the support from the Town has been overwhelming. "We have had tremendous support from the Town, especially Deputy Mayor Wauchope and Bob Browne of Parks and Rec." He said after meeting with Wauchope and Browne, he felt the support was needed to get the team in Innisfil. "The town has very good community spirit. If it weren't for them, you would not have a team in Innisfil."

If you are interested in billeting a player for the duration of the season, contact Dan Garneau at (705) 812-2950. To view the teams schedule, go to www.gmhl.net.