The Bonnyville Pontiacs have been making major waves on the trade market in preparation for the future.
The team began the week by sending their top goal scorer, Derek Brown, to the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Brown's 38 points in 30 games this season made him a hot commodity in the trading room.
With the need for one more player to bolster up for an RBC Cup run, the Vipers were willing to part with multiple prospects to obtain Brown.
“Vernon is a top contender in the BCHL. They have a chance to win an RBC Cup championship this year. They needed a player that would put them over the top, and because of that, they were able to part with some really good futures that we're going to be able to talk about June 1,” detailed Pontiacs head coach Rick Swan.
Before the ink had dried on the Brown deal, goaltender Sandro Silvestre was dealt to Gatineau, QC for future considerations. Silvestre asked for a fresh start after the team's 5-4 loss in Whitecourt on Saturday, Jan. 6.
He'll return to his home province, where he spent time in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Quebec Remparts, and participated in a Telus Cup with the Lac St. Louis Lions.
“Sandro was looking for a new opportunity. He wanted a change of scenery. We felt confident inserting Justin Travis into his role, so we accommodated his request and moved him to Quebec, which is closer to home,” explained Swan.
Immediately afterwards, the Pontiacs picked up United States goaltender Dario Latessa from Gloucester, MA, in exchange for future considerations.
Latessa backed up Travis in the Pontiacs 4-0 win over the Whitecourt Wolverines on Jan. 12. His role with the team will define itself over the next few weeks, as the coaching staff gets more familiar with his play.
“Just from being here two days, you can tell that the culture is rich and there's a good sense of community. Our players stick up for each other and it's a pretty warm welcome to be in this type of environment,” expressed Latessa.
Now that the Jan. 10 trade deadline has come and gone, Swan and the coaching staff will turn their attention to getting their team ready for the playoffs.
They currently sit in sixth place in the AJHL Viterra North Division. With the Lloydminster Bobcats hot on their trail, and fourth place within their reach, each game down the stretch will have major implications on playoff seeding for the Pontiacs.
“We've got another 20 or so games here to make sure this group gets gelling to the point that when we get into the real season you can expect more performances like the win against Whitecourt,” said Swan.
