Ottawa, Ont. — Former Pembroke Lumber King Sam Gleason made a welcome return to the national capital region on Saturday night, patrolling the Nipissing Lakers blueline in a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
For the 24-year-old defenceman — born and raised in Pembroke — now sporting an “A” for the North Bay university, a return to the region brings back memories.
“In 2011, when we won the RBC championship, it was obviously very memorable,” beamed Gleason following Saturday’s win, which moved the surging Lakers to 4-3-1 in OUA conference play. “Being able to play for my hometown team was a huge honour, (and) there’s a lot of great memories from Pembroke.”
The steady defensive defenceman spent five seasons with the Lumber Kings (2009-14), captaining PLK in his final two, prior to committing to Mike McParland’s program at Nipissing.
“It’s been pretty good,” said Gleason, who has suited up in 81 games over three-plus seasons for the Lakers. “Mike rewards guys who work hard and build their way — coming in as a young guy, I had to earn some ice time.”
Earn it he has, quickly becoming a top-four player at Nipissing and proving he can shut down top players from the major-junior ranks.
“I was lucky to come in, get some minutes and build that trust with him in my first year,” explained Gleason. “It’s nice, here, not having to fight the major-junior stigma of (Canadian university) hockey — as a Junior-A guy I’ve been able to make it and earn my ice time.”
Four years on from his commitment, the former Lumber King is happy with his experience at the picturesque school in the middle of the woods.
“I’d definitely tell (CCHL 20 year-olds) to take a second look,” said Gleason. “I remember my 20-year, I was set on going Division-III or Division-I, (but) when Mike contacted me (and) I got out to some games, I realized how high the level of hockey actually is.”
80-plus games later and nearing the completion of a business administration degree, the former PLK captain believes his U Sports path is a logical one for uncommitted CCHL 20 year-olds.
“I love it, it’s been a great experience for me so far,” continued Gleason. “I’d recommend every 20 year-old take a second look and try it out.”
