As the rookies entered the Thunder Bay locker room the atmosphere immediately put to ease most fears for the first time players. SMJHL newbie Tip Toasty breathed a sigh of relief as the vets’ positive welcomes created an air of excitement for the new players.

“I think it just helps us get over those initial nerves and get on to being able to think about the upcoming season, you know?” Toasty said of his initial positive interactions. “There were lots of warm welcomes from the start, plus they have a little area set up for music, which means everything to me as someone obsessed with music.” Beyond the culture, Toasty is excited for the opportunity to develop. “They’ve already given me some without tips that have helped me improve some aspects of my game. I think this will be a great place for my development .”

The Thunder Bay Walleye now turn their attention to developing team culture and their new draftees, Teddy Bloos, Puddles O’Ducking, Chaos Giraffe, and Tip Toasty. “We have a good team with some passionate young players, proven vets, and solid free agent signings,” claims Toasty. “I think we have a good chance to be competitive these next four seasons.”