History

Founded in 1972, the Wallaceburg Lakers are member’s of the Ontario Hockey Association, and Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League. Wearing Green, Yellow, and Black, the Lakers play at Memorial Arena in Wallaceburg, where they’ve become a Wednesday night tradition.

In 1999, the Wallaceburg Lakers experienced their most successful season winning their first Great Lakes Junior C Championship and advancing to the All-Ontario Clarence Schmalz Cup where they lost to the Glandrook Rangers. During this stretch from 1998 until 2001, the Lakers advanced to the Great Lakes League finals four consecutive times.

During a short stretch in the early 2000′s, the Wallaceburg Lakers briefly stepped away from their traditional Green jerseys, dawning Black, Red, White, and Grey. During the year’s the Lakers wore these colours, the team failed to make the playoffs each season, leading to speculation surrounding a “Curse of the Black Jerseys.” When the team finally returned to their green jerseys, they immediately made the playoffs and have not missed the postseason since.

In 2010-2011, the Wallaceburg Lakers finished first overall during the regular season for the first time in team history.

In the last decades, the Wallaceburg Lakers have graduated several athletes to the professional ranks, not only in hockey, including Shaun Suisham (NFL), Brad Staubitz (NHL), and Sean Pollock (NLL). As well, the team serves as a key development step for many players who make the jump to Jr.B, OHL, and NCAA hockey after suiting up for the Wallaceburg Lakers.