The flurry of phone activity in the Steinbach Pistons office has now subsided after the first of the MJHL roster deadlines came and went last night, forcing all teams down to 25 player cards from 45.
The last couple of days has seen the Pistons make four separate transactions, which is as busy as the team has ever been at a roster deadline.
The first of the four moves was the Pistons acquisition of 20 year-old forward Wyatt Hinson from the Melfort Mustangs of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in exchange for Future Considerations.
Hinson is 5’10”, 195lbs of Debden, Saskatchewan, bringing over 100 games of Junior Hockey experience. Hinson has tallied 15 goals, 21 assists for 36 points in 116 games along with 210 penalty minutes. Hinson will bring a physical edge to the line-up along with past playoff experience having won an SJJHL championship with the Mustangs last season.
The second move saw Pistons 19 year-old forward Max Cavallini get moved to the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners of the NOJHL in exchange for the CJHL Playing Rights of 19 year-old forward Arthur Miller.
The third move saw the Pistons trade 18 year-old defenseman Troy Williams to the Flin Flon Bombers in exchange for 20 year-old Defenseman Joseph Leonidas.
Leonidas is an offensive puck moving defenseman who led his team in defensive scoring last season. The 6’ 185lbs Calgary, Alberta native has tallied 13 goals, 46 assists for 49 points in 164 junior hockey games between the Flin Flon Bombers, Drayton Valley Thunder, Whitecourt Wolverines and the Calgary Mustangs. He also spent 34 games in the NAHL, accumulating 5 goals and 10 assists for 15 points and 8 penalty minutes.
The final move saw 18 year-old forward Cody Merritt get traded to the Fort Francis Lakers of the SIJHL in exchange for Future Considerations.
The Steinbach Pistons organization wants to thank Cavallini, Williams, and Merritt for their dedication and commitment to the team and community while playing for the Pistons. The organization wishes all three young men all the best as they continue to pursue their goals on and off the ice.