Holden Cochrane opts for the new expansion Hearst Lumberjacks of the NOJHL

The Blind River Beavers, Iroquois Falls Eskis, Powassan Voodoos and Espanola Espress are just a sampling of Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League opponents that the newly-formed Hearst Lumberjacks will face off against this coming Fall.  And the Lumberjacks rookie forward Holden Cochrane - coming via the Peninsula Panthers of the VIJHL - is probably in for an experience he could not have even imagined last season.  The 18-year-old highly skilled forward who hails from the Greater Victoria area has elected to jump to the Ontario League and Panthers General Manager wished the youngster all the best in his exciting journey.

"I believe this will be a fairly drastic change for Holden.  I am sure he will have wide eyes.  Opportunites are sometimes just around the corner and sometimes they are halfway across the Country.  He is chasing his dream and I would think it is an exciting time for him and his family.  I know the Lumberjacks are really excited about getting him into their lineup."

Hearst has a population of just under 4,000 people and is almost 1000 kms. North of Toronto.  Approximately 94% of the population is francophone and it is a "Lumber town."

"There are so many different types of places to live in a Country as big as Canada and so this is going to be a real eye-opener for Holden.  I think the experience of moving away from Victoria to Hearst will be a really good one for him."

Cochrane is clearly looking for the season to get going.  "The Panthers really helped me develop and helped me become a better player both defensively and offensively.  Peninsula has a great staff and I had a lot of great teammates that helped me to succeed.  I am very excited to play in Ontario and am excited for what the future holds."

Cochrane will be heading out in a couple weeks and will turn in his Billabong clothing for a Lumberjack shirt.  And he will probably be wearing long underwear when he lights the lamp for his new Club.