Espanola Express via Tri City
Espanola Express of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League has signed 1999 birth-year forward Tyler Bourassa from the Tri City Hawks of the United States Premier Hockey League.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Bourassa looms as a power forward for Espanola.
Before playing junior hockey for Tri City, Bourassa skated at the major midget level for Detroit Little Caesars.
Espanola general manager Chad Clarke is anxious to welcome Bourassa to the NOJHL.
“I had the opportunity to watch Tyler play in at least 10 games at several showcase tournaments, where his team was a top contender each tournament. He was dominant every time he was on the ice and we expect him to continue that in Espanola,” stated Clarke.
Bourassa let it be known what he aspires to bring to Espanola.
“I am a hard working power forward looking to play the highest level junior and then hopefully college hockey,” he relayed. “Every day I strive to improve on and off the ice and will be ready to seize an opportunity in Espanola.”
PHOTO: Tyler Bourassa, flanked by Espanola Express coach Tommy McCarthy.
It’s good to see they’re finally taking some of what I’ve been saying for the past few years and finally using it.
I’ve felt the team has been too small in recent years. They can’t keep play in the opposition’s end long enough and rely too heavily on their goaltending and defence (which I found was too small too) to win games.
Hopefully Tyler is a decent skater and can keep up with the quickness of the NOJHL.
With the signings of Big Jace and Tyler, I hope its a “sign” of things to come, and bigger players to come.