Nineteen new legends are joining the Lakehead Athletics Wall of Fame! This October, the university honors its rich sporting history, especially celebrating its hockey heroes. From national championship contenders to program cornerstones, who do you think left the most unforgettable mark on Lakehead sports? Find out all the incredible details inside!
Lakehead University is poised to celebrate a significant milestone in its history, honoring a distinguished group of athletes with induction into the prestigious Lakehead Athletics Wall of Fame. This momentous occasion, scheduled for the first weekend in October, not only marks the university’s 60th anniversary but also commemorates 25 years since the triumphant return of varsity hockey to the institution. The ceremony promises to be a powerful testament to the enduring legacy and remarkable athletic achievements forged within the university’s sports programs.
A total of 19 exceptional individuals are slated for induction, with an overwhelming majority — 16 players — hailing from the university’s celebrated Thunderwolves Hockey program. This recognition underscores the profound impact these athletes have had on Lakehead’s sporting identity, particularly in shaping its reputation as a formidable force in university sports. The carefully curated list of hockey inductees represents various eras and positions, reflecting the depth of talent that has graced the ice for the Thunderwolves over decades.
Among the esteemed hockey inductees are standout goaltenders Grant McCune and Chris Whitley, whose critical saves often turned the tide of important contests. The defensive line will see Erik Lodge, Jordan Smith, Mike Jacobsen, and Mitch Maunu celebrated for their steadfast play and leadership. Further bolstering the list are forwards Dan Speer, Andrew Brown, Tobias Whelan, Shandor Alphonso, Bryan Duce, Chris Shaffer, Murray Magill, Mike Wehrstedt, Mark Soares, and even current coach Andrew Wilkins, each having left an indelible mark on the Thunderwolves Hockey legacy with their offensive prowess and team spirit.
A notable segment of these hockey inductees comprises ten players who formed the core of the legendary 2005-06 silver-medal-winning squad. This iconic team, renowned for its grit and determination, battled its way to the national championship game, ultimately falling in a narrow 3-2 decision to the University of Alberta. Their journey remains a vivid memory for fans and a benchmark for athletic excellence within Lakehead Athletics.
The current inductions build upon a rich tradition of recognizing outstanding talent. Prior ceremonies have already seen individual honors bestowed upon Joel Scherban and Jeff Richards, who were instrumental catalysts for Lakehead hockey during the early to mid-2000s. Furthermore, the entire 2005-06 team, whose members are now largely being individually recognized, was collectively inducted at the 2015 Wall of Fame ceremony, solidifying their place in university lore.
The upcoming ceremony at the Hangar on October 4th is more than just an event; it is a reaffirmation of the values of dedication, teamwork, and excellence that Lakehead University strives to instill. Each inductee’s journey represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to their sport and institution, setting a high standard for future generations of athletes in university sports.
“It is an immense privilege to celebrate the significant contributions of these remarkable individuals and to formally welcome them into the Hall of Fame,” remarked a university representative. “This milestone year for our university and our men’s hockey program provides a perfect backdrop to honor their legacy and ensure their athletic achievements are remembered and celebrated for years to come.”
