Cousins compete last time

By Marci Becking

MISSISSAUGA – Cousins Troy Lajeunesse, 15 and Jamie Restoule, 17 both from Dokis First Nation, played together in the 2013 Little Native Hockey League tournament for the last time, dressing for Mattagami midgets.

The last time together because older cousin Jamie will be aged-out next year.

They will both be on Team Northern Ontario at the 2013 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships which will be held in Kahnawake, Quebec from April 28 – May 4.

Troy, son of Renee Restoule and Mark Lajeunesse, describes the LNHL as a family thing.

“The LNHL is important because it brings kids together to meet new people and to see old friends,” says Troy who played for the Kitchener Jr. Rangers Minor Midget AAA team this season.  “I like it because I get to see all my family at the tournament and watch all my cousins play.”

With 21 goals and 18 assists this year, Troy strengthened the team in the centre position and brought a passion for the game to the rink every night.

Jamie, son of Lisa Restoule, played this year for the West Nipissing Sting Midget A hockey.  He completed his season as assistant captain with  12 goals and 26 assists.

“Playing in the LNHL is such an awesome experience,” says Jamie who is graduating from Northern Secondary School. “I’ve played from Tyke up to Midget.”

Jamie and Troy were both MVPs in March’s Little NHL tournament in Mississauga.

This article originally posted April 15, 2013.