Our Program

Kam River Fighting Walleye

The Kam River Fighting Walleye organization pride ourselves on offering players a first-class Junior A hockey experience. Our organization provides a wide range of resources that we believe are above and beyond what many other Junior A programs offer. Playing juniors in Kam River is an experience unlike any other in the Superior International Junior Hockey League. Fighting Walleye fans have earned a reputation for being loyal and passionate. The Norwest Arena (also known as the Pond) has become both the most feared arena for opponents to play in while being the most fun and exhilarating for the home team.

Our Coaches, Organization and Community place a high value on character, commitment, and accountability, while we all work together towards our collective goal of capturing the Bill Salonen Championship trophy.

Below is a summary of the first-class benefits:

  • Professional Coaching and on-ice / off-ice training

 

  • Quality hockey

 

  • Set practice ice times, which will help the athlete organize their study and or work schedule.

 

  • Equipment manager as well as a Certified Trainer

 

  • Quality brand name equipment, including helmet/visor, gloves and pant shells.

 

  • Value, lower fees compared to other Junior A programs

 

  • Home Ice Advantage of 800 to 1400 fans per game; Players play in front of a spirited fan

 

  • Community Involvement - Players will help at youth practices, participate in other community minded initiatives.

 

  • Meals and hotel accommodations while traveling with the Fighting Walleye on the road.
  • Discounts on: gym membership, haircuts, and movie rentals by local businesses for our players from August through the end of the season (As available by sponsors).

 

  • Nutrition/supplies during practices and games, including snacks, fruit, granola bars, Biosteel, tape, wax, laces.

 

  • Free skate sharpening services, as required.

 

  • Scholarship opportunities for student athletes

 

  • Team building and life experiences, such as school visits, and other events, as available.

 

  • Team Jersey Presentation upon retirement as a 21 year old (As jersey availability).

 

  • Opportunity to play at higher levels. The Fighting Walleye will work with players to advance and further their hockey careers. We will work diligently to help prepare and promote them to the next level.

Superior International Junior Hockey League

THE LEAGUE

The Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) is a Junior A ice hockey league under the supervision of the Canadian Junior Hockey League and Hockey Canada. Winners of the SIJHL playoffs compete for the Dudley Hewitt Cup against the winners of the Ontario Junior Hockey League and the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. The winner of the Dudley Hewitt Cup then moves on to compete for the Royal Bank Cup.

Oliver Paipoonge

THE COMMUNITY

Oliver Paipoonge, population 5,922; is a township in the Canadian province of Ontario, located directly west of the city of Thunder Bay..

The municipality was formed on January 1, 1998, with the amalgamation of the former Township of Oliver and Township of Paipoonge. It contains several communities within its boundaries, including Baird, Carters Corners, Harstone, Kakabeka Falls, Lee, McCluskeys Corners, Millar, Murillo, Rosslyn, Slate River Valley, Stanley and Twin City. The remainder of the municipality is agricultural or rural.

The geography of Oliver Paipoonge transitions from river valleys in the south, through flat open farmland and rolling hills in the central areas, to the rough Canadian Shield in the north. The most notable geographic feature is Kakabeka Falls, located on the western edge of the municipality in Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park.

Oliver Paipoonge's primary industry is agriculture, followed with tourism focused around Kakabeka Falls and forest products manufacturing in Murillo and Rosslyn. Many residents commute to work either to Thunder Bay or the surrounding woodlands.
Each year Kakabeka Falls hosts a street fair, Murillo hosts the Murillo Fall Fair, the Slate River area hosts the Slate River Ploughing Match, and the Agriplex hosts an annual summer fair.

There are two museums in the municipality: the Paipoonge Museum in Rosslyn and the Pioneer Museum in the Slate River Valley.
Oliver Paipoonge is home to a number of other elite hockey programs and players through the Norwest Stars minor hockey system. Some of the elite players to have played at the Norwest Arena are the Staal brothers.

Above all, Oliver Paipoonge and the Kam River area love their Fighting Walleye and shows great support attending home games.