Dokis’ Lajeunesse growing with the Sarnia Sting

February 24, 2015
Aamjiwnaang youngster Kaden Plain got a chance to skate with #9 for the Sarnia Sting, Troy Lajeunesse from Dokis First Nation on Family Day after the Sting Game.
Aamjiwnaang youngster Kaden Plain got a chance to skate with #9 for the Sarnia Sting, Troy Lajeunesse from Dokis First Nation on Family Day after the Sting Game.

By Greg Plain

SARNIA – Troy Lajeunesse is a 17 year-old left wing hockey player from Dokis First Nation and has been playing with the Sarnia Sting for the 2014-15 season.  He grew up playing hockey for the West Ferris Minor Hockey Association in North Bay.

It has always been Lajeunesse’s dream to play in the Ontario Hockey League. Wearing number 9 for the Sting, Lajeunesse has nine goals and 16 assists. This places him in the top ten for rookie points in the league.

He’s been getting a lot of experience and play time with various other teams and high end players from across Ontario in the league. Many Sarnia Sting players have made it to the “Big Show” in the NHL and Lajeunesse hopes to be among those statistics one day.

“I didn’t think I would make it (to the OHL) but I kept my focus and didn’t give up,” says the quiet, yet explosive player on the ice who makes Dokis First Nation proud. “I’m really enjoying playing in Sarnia this season. It was pretty tough at first, trying to make the team and then trying to keep my spot on the team, was stressful. I also had to move away from home and start a new school. At first I was nervous but I like it now.”

Lajeunesse lives with a billet family in Sarnia, and the team is filled with a great bunch of guys.

“Last year around this time I didn’t think I would be playing in the OHL, instead I was gearing up for the Little NHL. I’ve played in the Little NHL since I was four years old. Over the years I’ve played for a few different teams.”

For Lajeunesse, the best part of the Little NHL was the friends he’s made and kept. The friendly atmosphere surrounding the games is like a huge Anishinabe Reunion.

“Last year we (Nipissing) won the midget championship. I thought that was awesome and now I’m playing in the OHL. Just proves that anything can happen never give up.”