Miramichi Timberwolves NewsHome
Miramichi Leader
Fri Jun 4 2010
Byline: Lucas McInnis
T-Wolves head coach and general manager Billy McGuigan confirmed earlier this week of the acquisition of Jake McLaughlin, a 5-11, 175-pound forward from Barrie, Ont.
McLaughlin was picked up from the Couchiching Terriers of the Ontario Junior 'A' Hockey League after the team folded.
"We're real excited to obtain the rights to Jake. He's a good all around player, very committed to the game. He's real excited about coming to Miramichi and we're real excited about having him," McGuigan said. "And he's a player that's going to fit with the makeup of our team and be able to play any role that we give to him"
The Terriers assistant captain logged 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 games in 2009-10, also racking up 99 penalty minutes.
When the Terriers were decommissioned April 18, McGuigan said he worked quickly to pick up McLaughlin.
The players on the team went on a dispersal draft, mostly going to other teams in the OJAHL.
After speaking with McLaughlin, McGuigan convinced him to make the move to New Brunswick.
"I obviously think he's going to be a good top-six forward. He's going to be able to play an offensive or defensive role; he's going to be able to chip in some points. He's a big-time character kid," McGuigan said. "The word on him is he's great in the dressing room, he's a great leader. He's got some big-time character so we're happy to have him."
Since the season ended, McGuigan has brought in defensive powerhouse Dakota Johnson and named Miramichi's Matt Milson the new team captain.
With his latest move, McGuigan feels confident McLaughlin will fit in perfectly with the T-Wolves plan for next season.
"I think he fits exactly with what we're doing with our team," he said. "I like to build a team where everyone works hard and we got some guys that can score there. Everyone chips in in their own little way, but the biggest key is work ethic and character. And that's what we're focusing on this year and he adds a lot to our team."
McLaughlin, 18, is happy to have the opportunity to come to Miramichi to play hockey, he said in an interview from his home in Ontario.
He said he's looking forward to getting away from home and moving to a new area to play the sport.
"I had some interest from a few local teams too," he said on the Terrier's folding. "I've never really gone away from home and I just think it's time to move on with my life and see where it takes me."
He described his style of play as "mucking it up in the corners and playing kind of fearless." He hopes this will lend a hand in the Timberwolves organization.
"I'll do anything to win pretty much. So, I don't know, we'll see where it'll take us."
McLaughlin said he's going to attempt to lead by example for the team, working hard in the corners and killing penalties.
"We've talked a lot (McLaughlin and McGuigan) and I seem to be the match that he wants."
He also had a chance to speak to Milson before making the decision to put on the T-Wolves jersey to get an impression of the team.
"I've moved a few times in my life. I was actually born in Alberta and moved to Ontario, so I've kind of had that situation before where I was the new guy in town. So, I mean, I just kind of let it happen and see where I fit in and let it go from there."