Done deal: Headrick commits to LSSU

Soo Thunderbirds defenceman Owen Headrick has made his decision.

The 17-year-old has made a commitment to Lake Superior State University for the 2015-16 season.

Headrick has been courted by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association school for some time but also had interest from some other schools.

“It was a really tough decision,” Headrick said. “I just thought it was the best fit for me to get to stay home and have my family come to watch.”

A draft pick of the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters, Headrick is beginning his second season with the Thunderbirds this winter.

Headrick scored eight goals and 31 points in 56 games last season with the Thunderbirds.

“He was a surprise making our team in camp (last year) and that was due in part to his progression over the summer,” said Thunderbirds coach Jordan Smith. “From the start of the year to the end of the year he became an impact player for us. He played a lot of minutes. In the final series against Kirkland Lake he was playing close to 30 minutes a night and playing well at that.”

Smith went on to say the young blueliner looks to have improved over the summer, which included skating with some of the local professional players to train.

“If the games over the weekend against the (North American League’s Soo) Eagles are any indication, he’s definitely gotten better,” Smith said. “He’s faster and stronger and we’re looking for big things from him.”

Headrick is looking to improve on an impressive rookie season at the junior level

“I want to get stronger and faster,” Headrick said. “And I want to learn as much as I can from coach Smith.”

Headrick added the importance of playing for Smith last year with the Thunderbirds as well.

“Coach has been a huge aspect in making me (a better player),” Headrick said. “I wouldn’t be here today without him. It’s just the little things that he tells me that really means the most.”

Headrick joins a Lakers program that has undergone some changes.

The team will be led by a new coach in Damon Whitten, who takes over from former Lakers bench boss Jim Roque.

Roque also played a role in Headrick joining the Lakers, showing interest in the Thunderbirds defenceman early on.

Whitten leads a coaching staff that includes assistant coaches Rich Metro and Peter Aubry.

File photo: Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday.com