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ALUMNI UPDATE- Sam Russell

By Staff Reports, 10/09/20, 9:15AM EDT

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The Wolves program recently had the opportunity to catch up with 2000 birth year English-born defenseman Sam Russell.

Russell spent the 2018-19 season with the Wolves after graduating from Ontario Hockey Academy in Cornwall, ON.  Russell had previously also represented his native country in the U18 World Championships in the 2016-17 & 2017-18 seasons.

"Moving to Laconia with the Wolves was an incredible season.  The lakes region is a beautiful place, with an awesome hockey community." said Russell.

Russell then moved onto professional hockey and played the 2019-20 season with the Milton Keynes Lightning in the NIHL (his native UK).  He also served as an Alternate Captain on the United Kingdom's U20 World Championship team. "The competition in the EHL... every guy chasing the next stage brings the talent and compete to another level.  Its an experience Ill never forget."

2020-21 will bring a new level for Sam and many new challenges. "The Coventry Blaze coaching staff wants me to skate with them.  Coventry Blaze are an elite league team so big news and Im looking forward to it!"

Much like the rest of the world tho, the UK and the US have experienced challenges with COVID19, and Sam has had to adapt to these changes.  Sam cited a January start for their hockey season, and limited seating capacity to encourage social distancing.

Sam continued, "At the Wolves, youre treated like professionals, and I've never met a coaching staff so dedicated to the program that make you want to work your bag off every day."

Thanks Sam.  The Wolves fans, coaches, billets, staff, and your teammates wish you continued success when your season begins in 2020-21.  Good Luck and GO WOLVES!!