Paper Kings get new d-man
He is well traveled but still young with a 2007 birth date. Defenseman Nolan Garrard has signed with the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has confirmed.
The 6 foot 1, 195 pound defender manned the blue line for both the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners of the NOJHL and the Komoka Kings of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League in ’24-25.
Prior to last season, Garrard suited up for the French River Rapids of the NOJHL and the under 18 level Grey-Bruce Highlanders of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association in ’23-24.
Meanwhile, Espanola general manager Marc Gagnon gave his take on why the Papers Kings pursued Garrard.
“What we like about Garrard is he is a stay at home defensive defenceman who protects his end well. He brings a physical component as well along the wall and below the dots,” Gagnon relayed to Hockey News North.