Lakers begin assembling 2011-12 recruiting class

SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State hockey coach Jim Roque began assembling his 2011-12 recruiting class by bringing in two forwards and a defenseman during the Fall signing period.

Forwards Charles “Buddy” Robinson (Hamilton, Ont.) and Andrew Dommett (Major, Sask.), and defenseman Kevin Czuczman (Port Elgin, Ont.) signed National Letters of Intent to play at LSSU.

Robinson, who is 6-4, 210, has 15 goals and 21 assists through 30 games with the Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Hamilton is currently 19-11 and third in the OJHL West Division.

“He’s a big right winger – a lot like Kyle Jean,” Roque said. “He has good skills for a big kid and is having a breakout season at Hamilton. He’s a veteran on his team now and plays with confidence. He’s on the power play and getting lots of ice time. His linemate (Zach Hyman) is a real good player who’s going to Princeton.”

Dommett is a 5-11, 185-pound speedster who earned All-Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League first team honors in 2009-10 after leading the league in goals scored and pacing the Kindersley Klippers in points with 36-24--60. He suffered a broken jaw in September, but has returned to the lineup. He has nine goals and six assists through 15 contests as Kindersley is off to an 18-15 start.

“He has excellent speed and has scored a lot at that level,” Roque said. “Hopefully he can score at this level, too. He’s a captain and can provide leadership.”

Recent Kindersley alumni include two-time Laker captain Troy Schwab ’09 and his linemate, Josh Sim ’09, who was a two-time assistant captain.

Czuczman, a 6-0, 200-pound defenseman, has one goal and 13 assists for New Market, which is leading the OJHL North Division with a 23-4 record.

“He’s a really good skater with good size and strength,” Roque said. “He has pro potential and should do real well in the college game. He almost quit hockey because he wasn’t getting recruited off a Junior B team. He gave it one more shot and it’s worked out for him. He’s probably not a scorer, but can move the puck and do a lot of stuff.”

Roque plans to sign two or three more recruits during the spring signing period. LSSU currently has seven seniors on its roster.