The Kanata Stallions are taking a two-pronged approach heading into the 2011-12 Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) season – one that should see a lot of fresh faces to the team.  With the 2012 Fred Page Cup in their own backyard next April, Stallions general manager Lou Nistico is looking to make immediate improvements, given the organization will earn an automatic berth in the tournament as the host team.  But Nistico said he also wants to keep an eye on the future since he expects the team to be loaded for bear with more veterans and recruits – players that might leave after the upcoming season.  Nistico’s thinking was on display at the 2011 CCHL Draft at the Earl Armstrong Arena on May 18.  “We wanted guys who could step in and play right away,” he said. “And with the young guys who are a couple years away, that’s good for the future.  "The Stallions had three first-round picks and used the first one, sixth overall to select Francois Lemelin, a six-foot-two, 174-pound forward. As a player born in 1996, the Petawawa, Ont. native isn’t eligible to play for the team until he completes his minor midget season with the Ottawa Valley Titans AAA team.  But with its next two selections, Kanata picked left-winger Braeden Moffat, 18, from the Arnprior Packers of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League 10th overall and defenceman David Wilkie from the Ottawa Senators AAA minor midgets with the 12th selection.  Nistico expects both players to suit up for the Stallions in the upcoming season, along with 2010 draft protects Alex Robinson and Derian Plouffe.  “A lot of the players we picked are for the future,” he said.  “We’re bringing in players next year who’ll fit into our lineup that might only be here for up year.  So then the following year, we’ll have some pretty good bantams.  "The future looks good for Kanata that’s for sure.  "Nistico said he’s been doing some scouting in the Detroit area in an attempt to shore up the forward ranks with a centreman and a couple of wingers, plus a defencemen and even a goaltender.  He added that he isn’t hesitant to dangle that Fred Page Cup carrot.  “The Fred Page Cup is huge,” Nistico said.  “They’ll be lots of U.S. college scouts so it does appeal to the American kids who are going to come here.  "With all the new players the Stallions are likely to have when training camp starts in August, Nistico’s biggest fear might be finding enough nametags to go around.  Since the team has three weeks of training camp and six exhibitions games, he’s not worried about his players developing cohesion.  “We’ll have lots of time to gel and that’s what the coach’s job will be to get the players together as soon as they can,” Nistico said.  “The adjustment period is probably the new guys getting used to the speed of league more than getting together as a team.” 

In making the announcement General Manager Lou Nistico said that he is very excited about the hiring of Randy, he brings a vast knowledge of the game in his coaching and his playing days in the NHL and the AHL.

Randy is an Ottawa Valley boy residing in Packenham, ON. Matt, Randy's oldest son, is a graduate of the Kanata Stallions organization and is presently playing pro hockey in the US. Nistico also said that this hiring gives the Stallions a solid coach heading into the 2011-2012 season and the 2012 Fred Page Cup.

Stallions GM, Lou Nistico, acquired 6.01, 195lb power forward,  Luke Laszkiewicz, out of the BCHL last week.  Laszkiewicz was recently dealt to the Whitby Fury of the OJHL who turned around and moved the Oshawa native to the Stallions for a PDF.  

Laszkiewicz, a 1992 birth year, played for the Ajax Attack of the OJHL during the 09-10 campaign and picked up 25pts in 48 games. Luke is described as a big strong centerman with very good hands and excellent speed.  Laszkiewicz played last season in the New England Prep league with Westminster and started this season with the Powell River Kings of the BCHL.  We would like to welcome Luke to our organization and wish him the best of luck this season.