Lloydminster Bobcats fans are about to see some new faces on the ice next season. Earlier this week, on social media, the team announced the players they have received from trades made during the deadline on January 10.
Forward Cameron Aucoin and defenseman Kyle Fulton from the Sherwood Park Crusaders are joining the Bobcats in exchange for forward Zach Kaiser and defenceman Reid Irwin. General Manager and Head Coach Nigel Dube says a lot of work was put in at the deadline to make sure the team got the right players on and off the ice.
“Cameron is a guy that will be able to contribute offensively and Kyle is a piece that we can add that is a steady shutdown d-man with a top rate plus/minus on the defensive core,” Dube adds that having two 17-year-old rookies is rare. He says that they will fit right into the team schematic after hearing from previous coaches and seeing what they’re capable of on the ice. The players are expected to be added into the lineup right away.
“They’re guys that will be able to contribute this year and then will be really in their top form as their 19-year-old season approaches. We see these guys being able to contribute not only on the ice but off the ice as well.”
Another player that was added the roster after defenceman Zach Ziegler was traded for 18-year-old defenceman Andrew Smiley and future considerations at the deadline is forward Josh Lester from the Nipawin Hawks. Dube says bringing the Calgarian back to the province fits in with the team’s border city built philosophy.
“With Josh, he is light on his feet and can create opportunities offensively, and the big part there is everywhere he’s went his second year has been his top year. We look for him to adjust to the league a little bit out of the gate and then fit it and be leaned on there.”
The Bobcats have also announced the acquisition of forward Jaden Townsend and defenseman Dane Hirst from the Swan Valley Stampeders for forward Tucker Scantlebury.