By Matt Stefano
Two forwards and a goalie are coming back to the Bird nest!
The Soo Thunderbirds have announced on Friday that they have re-signed forwards Samuel Lake, Alex Remenda and goaltender Kolton Bourret for the 2023-2024 season.
Lake, who has already played two seasons with the T-Birds from 2021-2023, has so far put up 17 goals and 42 points in 89 career games.
In his rookie season with the T-Birds back in 2021-2022, Lake also helped the T-Birds win the Copeland Cup McNamara Trophy.
“Samuel is a player you want on your team and he’s hard to play against when he’s on his game,” said Soo Thunderbirds assistant coach and general manager Jamie Henderson. “We’ll need him to continue his development and have a big summer to take a bigger role in the upcoming season.”
“I’m excited to see what the upcoming year has in store after having two great years,” Lake added. “We are going to be a young team this year but we should still have a great team, and I wouldn’t want to play for any other team than the Soo Thunderbirds.”
Rememda, who will be entering his first full season with the T-Birds this fall, came over to the T-Birds in a trade from the CCHL’s Brockville Braves last November.
In 35 games played with the T-Birds last season, Remenda tallied 7 goals and 7 assists.
“Alex is a real honest player who brings a great effort everyday,” Henderson said. “We expect him to take a big step this season and improve on his rookie season.”
“I love playing here and I’m excited to be back,” Remenda added. “Everything about the Thunderbirds coaching staff and trainers are great, and they make it so enjoyable to play here.”
“It was a super easy decision to return and play again this season.”
Bourret, who will be entering his second season with the T-Birds, had a successful rookie season during 2022-2023.
In 29 games played with the T-Birds last season, Bourret recorded 19 wins, 9 losses, 1 overtime loss and 1 shutout.
Bourret, who recorded 19 wins last season, also finished tied with Noah Beaulne (Greater Sudbury Cubs) for the most wins among all NOJHL rookie goaltenders.
“Kolton had a really strong rookie season during 2022-2023 and he works extremely hard with our goalie coach Brian Kment,” Henderson said.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to the T-Birds for another season, and from the top down, the organization makes it such a great place to play and develop,” Bourret added.
“The Soo always seems to be a serious competitor and that’s so exciting when you’re a player.”
With Bourret returning for the upcoming season, the Soo Thunderbirds now have their goaltending tandem in Kolton Bourret and newly signed goaltender Maverick Fletcher.
“Kolton and Maverick will work really well together, and we’re really happy with our goaltending situation heading into the 2023-2024 season,” Henderson said.
