Neepawa Natives forward Jordan Lane, a 6 foot 8 - 245 pound native of Whitehorse, Yukon has signed a professional contract with The Mississippi RiverKings of the Central Hockey League.

 

The contract is for considerably more than the league rookie minimum, and will provide Jordan with a legitimate opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a professional power forward.

 

Lane, who played a full season in 2008-2009 with the QMJHL's Moncton (this year's Memorial Cup reps) Wildcats, was thrilled with the contract offer.

 

"I want to say thanks a ton to everyone," said the likeable 21 year old, who said he was grateful to his agent Jeff Edwards of Winnipeg, as well as the community of Neepawa.

 

The Natives are thrilled for him, says Coach Perrier.

 

"This is a great man, who has great integrity for his role and for his teammates," Perrier said. "We are thrilled for him. The RiverKings are getting a quality man."

 

The key to the deal, according to Perrier, is the presence of former NHL agitator Kevin Kaminski, who is the head coach of the team.

 

"Kevin was really intrigued by Jordan and also wants to invest in his career."

 

Kaminski served as an assistant coach in 2000 with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League under head coach Mike Babcock, who last season led the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup playoff championship.

 

Kaminski worked under Babcock in Cincinnati for two seasons before Babcock's move to California and the start of his head coaching career.

Kaminski began his NHL playing career as a third-round selection of the Minnesota North Stars in 1987,  before a trade sent him to the Quebec Nordiques in 1989.

 

Kaminski played with Quebec and spent time with the Nordiques  before being sent to the Washington Capitals prior to the 1993-94 season.

 

He played the rest of his NHL career with the Capitals, seeing time in all or parts of four seasons.

 

"Kevin is one of the toughest players to ever play the game, but he also learned the nuances of being responsible and reliable aside from his role as an enforcer," Perrier said. "He is the perfect guy for Jordan to learn from."

 

The RiverKings work closely with The NHL's Nashville Predators.

 

The Natives are thrilled to have been a part of Jordan's development and would also like to congratulate Zeanan Ziemer and Justin Michaud of the Dauphin Kings, who also recently signed in the CHL with Laredo.

 

"It's good for the league when guys are using it as a stepping stone to the highest levels."