NEWS

Toronto Lakeshore Patriots defenceman Cory Lauer (photo credit - Shawn Muir/OJHL Images) has confirmed his commitment to join the State University of New York - Cortland Red Dragons, beginning with the 2014-15 SUNYAC season.

The native of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee came to the Patriots in a round-about way, originally as a product of the Nashville Southern Flyers 'AAA' program, before joining the Indiana Jr. Ice under-18 squad in 2010-11.  Recruited by the Vaughan Vipers, Lauer made the jump to the OJHL in 2011-12, splitting the season between the Vipers and the Junior 'C' Caledon Golden Hawks.  The blueliner would record three points in 28 games with the Vipers, while also getting his first taste of playoff action.  With the Vipers franchise contracting following the season, Lauer moved on to join the Pickering Panthers, finishing fourth among rearguards in scoring with seven points in 51 regular season games played.

Starting this season as a healthy scratch for the Panthers, former Vipers head coach Jason Fortier made the move to pick him up for the Patriots and he has not disappointed with his hard-nosed style of play.  Lauer posted career-best offensive totals with two goals and nine points, while providing a defensive presence on the back-end, ultimately helping the club capture its first-ever South-West Conference regular season and playoff titles, while battling for a chance to win the Buckland Cup.

“He has battled adversity and rounded his game to be a premier shut down defenceman in this league,” said Patriots head coach Jason Fortier.  “He is also a great team player and really cares about his teammates. He is a great leader on and off the ice.”

“This year started out really rough in Pickering for sure,” Lauer said, “but I am really thankful that (Patriots general manager) Mike Tarantino and Forch brought me here.  When I first came here nobody expected us to go far so I just decided to work my hardest and do anything I could to help this team win. In the end obviously everything is working out great and I wouldn’t rather be on any other team in this league.”

Being from a non-traditional hockey market like Tennessee, Lauer’s accomplishments go beyond himself as he carries the hopes of his state’s hockey community with him.

“I think the biggest thing is just trying to be a role model for the kids getting into the sport back home,” he said.  “My dad is a youth hockey coach and I just hope the kids see this and it makes them realize that they can make it to the NCAA one day too.”