Red Lake, Ontario – The Red Lake Miners are thrilled to announce the acquisition of local talent Justin Gelderland, a promising left-handed defenseman born in 2005, from the Revelstoke Grizzlies of the KIJHL.
During the 2022-23 season, Gelderland showcased his abilities with the Kenora Thistles, playing 44 games and tallying 11 points. His exceptional performance caught the attention of the Miners, who gave him the opportunity to showcase his talent in 4 regular season games and 2 playoff games.
This season, Gelderland started his journey with the Revelstoke Grizzlies of the KIJHL, where he made an immediate impact by providing a crucial assist in his only game played. His time with Revelstoke speaks volumes about his skills and potential, as the Grizzlies are recognized as a top program in British Columbia.
When asked about joining the Red Lake Miners, Gelderland expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m most excited about playing in my hometown and in front of the local fans.” He also shared his short-term goals, stating, “I aim to develop and perform at my best for the Miners.” Looking further into the future, Gelderland has set his sights on earning a scholarship and playing hockey throughout his college or university years, emphasizing his long-term aspirations.
Miners Head Coach and General Manager, Lee Stone, praised Gelderland’s abilities, saying, “Justin is a talented homegrown defenseman. The fact that he was recruited from a top program like Revelstoke speaks volumes about his skill and potential.” Stone further commended Gelderland, describing him as a smart and steady defenseman who brings size and grit to the team’s backend. Stone also highlighted Gelderland’s exceptional puck-moving abilities, stating, “He moves the puck with purpose, and we firmly believe he is an excellent addition to our club.”