Hearst to Kam River
Reigning Superior International Jr. Hockey League champion Kam River Fighting Walleye has acquired a homegrown defenseman from the Hearst Lumberjacks of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League in a cash transaction.
Caleb Labelle, a hulking 6-foot-5, 215 pound defender, heads home to Kam River and the Fighting Walleye after netting one goal, six assists, seven points and racking up 62 penalty minutes in 39 games for Hearst during the 2022-2023 NOJHL season.
A 2005 birth year skater, Labelle also has junior experience with the Lindsay Muskies of the Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Kam River general manager Kevin McCallum knew what he was getting when he had the chance to go after the big defender.
“When we had the opportunity to bring home another local player, I jumped on the deal immediately,” said McCallum. “Caleb is bringing us a veteran presence with size and skill, as an 18 year old, which is a major asset to our program. Getting to know Caleb over the off-season when we got permission to talk to him, I learned really quick what a great kid he is and that he is here to win and bring home another championship.”