Nichols signs with Greyhounds

With goaltender Jack Campbell graduating, the Soo Greyhounds had an opening for a goaltender.

The spot could possibly have been filled as the Greyhounds announced on Wednesday evening that they have signed 2011 draft pick Justin Nichols.

The highly-touted netminder was a third-round selection by the Greyhounds in the 2011 draft and spent the 2011-12 season with Salisbury Academy Prep where he started 20 games for the school.

“We are thrilled today that Justin has committed to our program. Obviously, Justin had plenty of options and we are excited that given all of interest in him that he elected to commit to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds,” Greyhounds GM Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “Justin is a technically sound goaltender, who is very athletic and is extremely intelligent. That combination of skill and his quickness allows him to read and react to the play and be in great position the majority of the time.”

Added Nichols, “I am extremely excited about joining the Greyhounds organization. Obviously I feel it is a team that's on the up and I want to be a part that, for sure. It's a great step hockey wise for me, but also a great step to develop as a person.”

Nichols will not be in attendance for the Greyhounds mini-camp coming up on May 4, but will be in Sault Ste. Marie when the locals open up their main camp in the fall.

The mini-camp opens up with player registration on May 4th.

The on-ice component will feature practices as well as a pair of scrimmages on May 5th along with a third scrimmage on May 6th.

The camp will feature many of the Greyhounds selections from the past two OHL drafts as well as a number of free agent invites.

Three players who will not be at the camp include a pair of 2011 draft picks in Fraser Turner and Mac Clutsam. Turner will be in Humbolt, Saskatchewan at the RBC Cup with the Soo Thunderbirds while Clutsam will be at the year-end banquet of the Elmira Sugar Kings.

Another prospect, 2012 draftee Anthony Angello, will be attending the New York State Select festival and also won’t be in attendance.

All three players are expected at the Greyhounds main camp.