The Wallaceburg Thunderhawks have high hopes for the 2022-23 PJHL season.
The Stobbs Division team was purchased by Walpole Island First Nation during the off-season, naming Louie Blackbird as head coach with Luke Blackbird and Bob McNear serving as assistant coaches.
General Manager Scott Gorry says the team has struggled over the last few years, but hope they have turned a corner heading into this season.
“We’re trying to get a lot more local players involved and a lot of recruiting,” Gorry explains. “It’s hard to recruit when you’re losing, but support from the community will go a long way and help make this a destination to play hockey.”
Last season, Wallaceburg made the playoffs for the first time in a several years finishing eighth in the nine team PJHL Stobbs Division.
The Thunderhawks kicked off the regular season with a loss to Blenheim at Wallaceburg Memorial Arena Wednesday night.
Gorry says it’s a work in progress, but the team wants to win.
“We need the community’s support, we need you to come out to the games. We are dedicated to changing this thing, our whole executive is on board, it’s going to be hopefully a better season and we can create better hockey in the town of Wallaceburg.”
The Thunderhawks will be back on the ice Saturday night, visiting the Mooretown Flags.
