The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) held their trade deadline on Wednesday, and the Fort McMurray Oil Barons made some noise throughout the day with six trades announced with other teams.
The first move saw Fort McMurray product Gabe Gratton leave town. The 2003-born goaltender was moved to the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Earlier in the day, it was reported that a Player Development Fee (PDF) and future considerations were going the other way, but that has not been confirmed by the Oil Barons.
To help fill the crease, the Oil Barons have acquired 2003-born goaltender Gage Stewart from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s (MJHL) Swan Valley Stampeders for a PDF. Stewart is a NCAA Division I commit with the University of Maine. Stewart is sporting a 5-14-1 record after 20 games with the Stampeders, with a .909 SV% and a 3.86 GAA.
Next, the Oil Barons sent 2003-born forward Evan Arnold to the Whitecourt Wolverines in exchange for 2005-born forward Jaxon Priddle and future considerations. Priddle is a player that will benefit from playing time for the MOB, as the Sarnia product has a goal and an assist to go along with 14 penalty minutes after 22 games.
To wrap up the day, the Oil Barons made three trades with teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). The biggest one saw the Oil Barons pick up 2004-born forward Keenan Ingram from the Kindersley Klippers in exchange for 2003-born defenceman Simon Diaz and future considerations. Ingram led the Klippers with 19 goals on the season. He also contributed 19 assists, bringing his total to 38 points in 34 games.
The Oil Barons then sent 2004-born forward Keefe Gruener to the Flin Flon Bombers for future considerations and a PDF.
The Oil Barons added 2003-born forward Liam Cox-Smith from the Melville Millionaires in exchange for future considerations.
The Barons last deal of the day saw them acquire forward Sam Callahan from the Calgary Canucks. Afterwards, they flipped him to the Weyburn Red Wings for a PDF and future considerations.
The Oil Barons are back home on Saturday night for Minor Hockey Night against the Okotoks Oilers. They currently sit 13th in the AJHL.
