Last night the Lakehead Junior Hockey League All-Star squad hit the ice for the first time, beginning a series of practices to tune up for the Teleco Cup pre-season tournament.

The team of selects that skated will compete in the Teleco Cup scheduled this weekend at the Nor'West Arena. Two games will be played against the Kam River Fighting Walleye of the SIJHL. The games are scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Malcolm Sutherland, head coach of the Nipigon Elks and Frank Felice of the Northern Hawks led the team through their paces at the Tournament Centre last night.

"We have out the selections from each of the member teams of the LJHL and I think each club has selected a suitable group of players to represent their teams and the league," said Sutherland. "We discussed with players the revised tournament format and the unique opportunity we have been given to play this series. Right now all players are recognizing that it is a privilege to play hockey. We are taking the opportunity given to us and embracing the privilege to play by icing a good team despite our short prep time. We expect a great weekend of hockey."