MUSKOKA SHIELD MOVING TO BRACEBRIDGE THIS SEASON

BRACEBRIDGE — The Muskoka Shield is on the move again.

The hockey club that started in Gravenhurst, winning several championships in the Greater Metro Junior “A” Hockey League (GMHL), moved to Port Carling last season.

The team was replaced in Gravenhurst by the Muskoka Anglers of the Canadian Premier Junior Hockey League.[4]

But this coming season the Jr. A team is moving into Bracebridge at the Memorial Arena.

They will be entering their 14th season.

Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith welcomes the Muskoka Shield to Bracebridge for the coming season.

Frank Demasi, co-owner and head coach says in a town release it is focused on player development. He played four years in the NCAA and professionally in Europe for eight years.

Demasi says he understands that players need time to grow and develop their skill set to achieve their goals of playing at higher levels such as Major Junior, Pro, U.S. College and Canadian Universities. He is committed to developing relationships which support businesses and the community.

“Our intention is to build a successful, long term junior hockey team in Bracebridge with local players and players from abroad. Our players will be active community members who participate in special events and volunteer whenever possible.

“Hockey is Canada’s sport; a sport that residents of Bracebridge and all of Muskoka are all very proud of.”

Billet coordinator Susan Cook is working to find families and individuals in Bracebridge willing to billet and host the South Muskoka Shield players. Billets are paid a monthly stipend for each player they house. Local individuals interested in playing for the South Muskoka Shield or being involved in team operations should contact Coach Demasi.

Visit the South Muskoka Shield website www.shieldhockey.com for further details regarding the team, their hockey schedule and the special events being planned.