The CJHL Trade Deadline has come and gone. While it was slower build up, the deadline did provide a flurry of moves from around the MJHL.
Here’s a breakdown of what each team brought in and moved out.
Dauphin Kings – 1st in MGEU West Division
In: F Nolan Masson
Out: F Rylor Ringor
Breakdown: On a day with lots of movement, the Kings largely stayed quiet. They shipped out a 20-year-old and brought in a 19-year-old. Sitting atop the division with plenty of games in hand, perhaps the feeling was they didn’t need to do overly much or shake up the makeup of the current roster. Didn’t take a noticeable step forward but didn’t take one back, either.
Northern Manitoba Blizzard – 2nd in MGEU West Division
In: D Aaron Krestanowich, F Jayden Ward, F Jack Linton
Out: F Sam Zagari, D Thomas Phillips, F Leland Cody, D Dane MacInnis
Breakdown: Managed to get some youth with MJHL experience. Tidy work for the Blizzard who will look to turn things up as they head toward the playoffs. Where this group goes will be thanks to the veterans already in place, so by working around the roster, it could be a shot in the arm for the group there that the belief is they can get the job done.
Neepawa Titans – 3rd in MGEU West Division
In: Owen Durigan
Out: NONE
Breakdown: Did not make any sort of splash on deadline day or even leading up, really. The fact the group as a whole has shown time and time again, they can go stride for stride with the top teams in the league proved they don’t need to do anything major. Some blueline help will be appreciated. Along with a bit of size, there is perhaps offensive potential that could grow this year and next. Not a flashy deadline one way or the other.
Virden Oil Capitals – 4th in MGEU West Division
In: F Adler Johnston, F Cole Robertson, F Liam Goertzen, G Loic Morin, D Nathan Schaefer
Out: D Cole Slobodian, F Rhett Platt, F Kyran Grouette, G Nick Trakaris, F Jonah Vanderhorst, F Parker Rolston
Breakdown: You have to feel a bit for the support staff having to deal with all the bodies coming in and out for Virden. 11 people changed places over the course of a few weeks and when the dust settles, could the Oil Caps be the most improved club in the division post-deadline? Added scoring and stabilized the crease. It came at a cost as they lost some sandpaper and players who were around for a while, but at the end of the day, the Oil Caps look primed to grab hold of the final playoff spot
Waywayseecappo Wolverines – 5th in MGEU West Division
In: F Noah Oughton, F Jack Clarke, F Dylan Duzan
Out: F Regan Anderson, F Cam Sarna
Breakdown: While it wasn’t the most electric move of the day, it was a really nice piece of business by the Wolverines to scoop up a player in Oughton, who, with a change of scenery, might find another level to his game. The Wolverines add a familiar face in Jack Clarke who returns from the states along with Dylan Duzan who joins from BC. The group in Waywayseecappo knows it’s on them if they want to get to where they believe they should. No more waiting around. This should show the group that the belief is there and the challenge has been extended. It’s up to them how they respond.
Swan Valley Stampeders – 6th in MGEU West
In: D Luke Scheck, F Nicholas Cullen, F Ethan MacTavish
Out: D Ethan Hulme
Breakdown: What a difference a couple of weeks and a couple of timely wins can make. While it looked like the Stamps may be the bell of the ball being a seller, instead, they double down on what they have and bring in a couple of pieces that will help now and into the future. Safe to say it’s not so much about what was brought in but what stayed that will make the biggest impact. This group has earned a chance to keep fighting, grinding toward a playoff spot. They deserve a chance to do it together. They’ve been given that opportunity and even a little bit of help as well.
Steinbach Pistons – 1st in MGEU East Division
In: F Sam Zagari, D Matthew Munro, G River Leslie-Toogood
Out: D Aaron Krestanawich, F Jackson Kostiuk (WHL), G Zach Burleigh
Breakdown: The current top team in the MJHL added an impact forward who they remember as a bulldog from their matchup against in the playoffs last season. On the backend, they get bigger, adding some size and shutdown ability that could become key in playoffs.
Winkler Flyers – 2nd in MGEU East Division
In: F Jacob Michelson, F Andrew Morton
Out: D Sully Ross, F Ethan MacTavish
Breakdown: Made an early move to acquire Morton, who put up 65 points last season in the CCHL. Didn’t need to go out and make a massive addition at the deadline but managed to secure a good piece in Michelson, after a log jam of 20-year-olds forced a move. Already very deep on the blueline, bringing in a scoring forward without the pressure of having to be the go-to guy could bring out even more.
Portage Terriers – 3rd in MGEU East Division
In: F Kyran Grouette, F Rhett Platt, D Sully Ross, D Jonah Marshall
Out: F Jacob Michelson, F Adler Johnston, F Rhett Perrin
Breakdown: Adding depth to a lineup that has some elite talent is always going to be a positive. The style of play has not changed, and the Terriers brought in players that will not only play that way but elevate it. Paid a price to get Ross but along with the skill set, he brings a championship mentality.
Niverville Nighthawks – 4th in MGEU East Division
In: D Henry Smith, G Jake Torget
Out: G Connor Graham
Breakdown: Bringing in a big bodied, rugged defender is exactly what Niverville needed. With some of the younger defenders taking a step in their skating and puck moving, the Nighthawks needed someone to break the cycle and not allow teams to work in their zone. Perhaps would have liked to add a forward but their big addition in Sean Williams arrived to start the new year.
Selkirk Steelers – 5th in MGEU East Division
In: F Carter Zalischuk
Out: None
Breakdown: Did not have a lot of bodies off the roster to move and the ones teams would have asked about are key to not only this year but the future, making them much harder to pry out. They did manage to add a forward but that one addition means they’ll be relying on the group they have to find another level or two. Everyone ahead of them made additions, but the Steelers are no strangers to proving any doubters wrong.
Winnipeg Blues – 6th in MGEU East Division
In: D Dane MacInnis , F Mason Bernier (‘08 prospect)
Out: G River Leslie-Toogood, F Jack Linton
Breakdown: Most of their work was done before the Christmas break. They managed to add a few pieces that have fit in very well for the current roster and will take steps upward going forward. Doesn’t seem like they were trying to change the makeup of the team through trade but they’ll work on building a strong reputation the rest of the way with hopes of helping in their recruitment going forward.
Winnipeg Freeze – 7th in MGEU East Division
In: F Cam Sarna, F Regan Anderson, D Ethan Hulme, F Leland Cody, F Jonah Vanderhorst, F Parker Rolston
Out: F Noah Oughton, F Nicholas Cullen, F Jayden Ward, F Liam Goertzen
Breakdown: Sometimes it’s not about the deals you want to make, it’s about the deals you’re put in a corner and must make. The Freeze have had a rough go since the Christmas break and to get anything back in return for some players is a plus, albeit a bitter one.
