Lakers heading to play pro hockey

Er schießt, er trifft!*  Two Nipissing Lakers hockey players are turning pro and heading to Germany.

Congratulations (or Gratulation!) to forwards Conor O'Donnell and Grant Toulmin, who will join the Heilbronner Falken (Falcons) in the DEL 2 Germany pro hockey league.   

The duo played together as Lakers for the past three years, forming a dynamic attack. O'Donnell scored 13 goals and added 31 assists for 44 points in 28 games with the Lakers last season.

Toulmin netted 16 goals along with 22 assists for 38 points in 28 games last season. 

The stats impressed the German DEL 2 team.  

"That was one reason why we are committed to the duo," said Heilbronner Falken coach Igor Pavlov. "Both are in the best hockey age and have assumed responsibility in their club. They stood out on the special teams. They will also enhance the physical component here." 

The 24-year-old O'Donnell was the top scorer on the Lakers team and the third top scorer in the OUA last year. He was also named to the OUA Second All-Star team the past two seasons.   

"I had decided to go to Europe and my Augsburg players' agent and I agreed that Germany would be the best choice for me," said O'Donnell. "The Falcons want to forget the past season and I will do my part. I hope that I can seamlessly transition here, where I left off with the Lakers. I am happy to take the role of playmaker, who is also reliable in the defensive zone. A stable defense is always the best condition for a powerful offensive game."

*translation: He shoots, he scores!