Cougars Sign Defenceman Joel Lakusta.
Prince George Cougars General Manager, Todd Harkins announced today that the Prince George Cougars have signed defenceman Joel Lakusta (1998 – Sherwood Park, AB) to a Standard WHL Player Agreement.
The 6’2”, 180 pound Lakusta was originally selected in the seventh round (149th overall) by the Saskatoon Blades in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. The Prince George Cougars acquired his CHL rights in a trade last summer with the Saskatoon Blades.
Last season with the Sherwood Park Midget AAA Kings, Lakusta scored five goals, added 12 assists and also managed 67 penalty minutes. He dressed in three games with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. In 2012-13, Lakusta captured an Alberta Cup as a member of the Sherwood Park Bantam Flyers.
“We couldn’t be happier that Joel and his family have chosen the Prince George Cougars and the Western Hockey League to help further his development,” said Prince George Cougars General Manager, Todd Harkins. “There is a tremendous amount of upside to his game. He’s a very strong and elusive skater, he moves the puck well and he does a great job of escaping the opposing team’s forecheck.”
Harkins adds, “When we acquired Joel in a trade last summer we had every intention of signing him and making him a part of our plans moving forward. He’s going to compliment our 1998 age group very well in the seasons to come.”
Lakusta and the Prince George Cougars will take the ice for their first exhibition game on Friday, September 4th in Kamloops against the Blazers.
