Thunderwolves Nordic ski team heads to Canadian Nordic Nationals in Gatineau, MacLean takes silver

Lakehead’s Nordic ski team began competition at the CCUNC National Championships yesterday in Gatineau, Quebec with the women’s individual start 5km and the men’s individual start 10km Classic races making up day 1.

The Thunderwolves women stormed out of the gate, with three skiers placing in the top 11, including Alannah MacLean earning a Silver Medal. Shaylynn Loewen, who is fresh off of a Gold Medal performance at the Canada Winter Games in Red Dear earlier this month, finished 7th. The strong women’s contingent was rounded out by Erika Mihell who finished in 11th place.

“It was a solid day for our women on the course this morning, and a good start to the championships,” Thunderwolves head coach Adam Kates said. “We were again led by Alannah who is a veteran and knows how to perform under the pressure of big races. If our top three women ski like they did today we will have the chance to be in the running for a Nationals Title at the end of the week but there is a lot of racing left to go.”

On the men’s side, Thompson brothers Malcolm and Noah skied a strong race, finishing 8th and 9th respectively. They were followed closely by Conor McGovern 10th and Geoff Way-Nee in 12th.

Racing continues today with the Freestyle Pursuit events.