Laker’s Koivukoski to lead team Canada

It's an exciting day for the Nipissing Lakers and more specifically for one of their head coaches, who has earned the opportunity to represent Canada on an international stage.
Veteran coach of the Nipissing Lakers Nordic Ski team,Toivo Koivukoski, has been named as the head coach of Team Canada for the 2017 FISU Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Koivukoski, who will be the head coach, has been coaching at the national level with North Bay Nordic and the Nipissing Nordic Varsity team for eight years, leading the Lakers to impressive showings at both the OUA Championships, as well as on a national stage.

He also is the head coach for the NOD Junior Lakers which was established in the 2015-16 season. He also brings international experience as the assistant coach for Team Canada at the World University Games 2013.

His own high level racing experience will be an asset to the athletes and support team alike.

"I am honoured to have been selected as Head Coach for Team Canada's cross country ski contingent at these Games. Being able to support our country's best varsity skiers in international competition is a proud step in my coaching career, and is inspiration to deepen my love of the sport of cross country skiing," he said. "Our coaching and support staff for the team is deep, and I am stoked to be working with such experienced coaches and waxers. We are now looking forward to the athlete selection, and are excited to see what skiers will be selected to wear Canada's colours and make our country and our universities proud."