THUNDER BAY -- It’s been a whirlwind few months for forward Evan Lachemia.
The Thunder Bay native, who will turn 19 in March, originally left home and signed with the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in the summer, but found his way in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with the Portage Terriers.
Lachemia made the trek home on the morning of Jan. 11 from Southern Manitoba and battled the elements and road conditions.
“It took me about 11 hours to get from Portage to Thunder Bay,” Lachemia said following the Fighting Walleye ‘s 2-0 loss to the Sioux Lookout Bombers on Jan. 12. “I just went home and went to bed. I woke up and came to the rink for the morning skate, and was able to come back ready to play tonight. It's been a busy last couple of days, but it's good to be back. I have been travelling quite a bit on a few different teams, but this place feels good.”
Lachemia registered nine points in 18 games with the Terriers before the Kam River Fighting Walleye were able to pick him up for a Player Development Fee (PDF).
Before making the trek west, Lachemia did split last season between the Under-18 AAA Thunder Bay Kings and the Thunder Bay North Stars. He played in four regular season games in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) as well as ten games in the playoffs.
Lachemia joins some familiar faces on the Walleye, adding “I grew up with the Sargent brothers, so it was a pretty easy decision to come here and play with them for another year.”
“The boys are amazing, they welcomed me like I have been here the whole year. It’s been nice, I can’t wait to share some memories and get some wins with these guys.”
Lachemia has his eyes set on perhaps obtaining an opportunity to play in the NCAA.
