Fort McMurray, AB (June 3, 2016) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are pleased to announce the acquisition of three players to complete a November 30, 2015 trade with the Brooks Bandits. Joining the MOB are 1996-born defenceman Jesse Baird (Brampton, ON), 1998-born forward Matteo Aiello (Calgary, AB), and 1999-born defenceman Jared Bowman (Calgary, AB).
Baird, 20, re-joins former teammates Will Conley (Strathmore, AB) and Hayden Ursulak (Calgary, AB), after three seasons in Brooks. In 140 career regular season games with the Bandits, Baird registered 49 points (six goals, 43 assists) and 270 penalty minutes. Baird was part of the Bandit teams that reached the AJHL finals in 2015 and 2016, helping the Bandits capture the 2016 Gas Drive Cup. He also played a key role for the Bandits, during team’s participation this spring in the 2016 Western Canada Cup (WCC) in Estevan, SK and 2016 Royal Bank Cup in Lloydminster, AB/SK.
“Jesse brings a lot of experience to our defensive corps,” said Head Coach and General Manager Tom Keca. “He can play in any situation, whether that’s on the power play or penalty kill. He’s a ‘team-first’ player and plays with a lot of heart, night in and night out.”
Aiello, 18, joins the Oil Barons after appearing in 31 regular season games in his rookie season with the Bandits last season. In 31 games, Aiello registered eight points (four goals, four assists) and 34 penalty minutes. Aiello was also part of the Bandits team that captured the 2016 Gas Drive Cup in April.
“Matteo plays with a lot of speed and a high compete level,” said Keca. “He was part of the Brooks team that won our league last year and appeared in the RBC Cup. As a younger player in our league, Matteo brings a lot experience to our team.”
Bowman, 16, played with the Alberta Midget Hockey League’s (AMHL) Calgary Flames Midget AAA team last season. In 34 games, Bowman registered 24 points (three goals, 21 assists) and 38 penalty minutes. Bowman was also part of the Flames team that won the prestigious Mac's Major Midget Tournament in Calgary in January.
“Jared has experienced success in Midget the past two seasons in Calgary. We’re excited to welcome him north to our organization,” added Keca.
With the addition of Baird, Aiello, and Bowman, the Oil Barons have welcomed five new faces this week. On Monday, the MOB welcomed 1998-born forwards Jack Hamly (Sherwood Park, AB) and Ryan Cox (St. Albert, AB) to complete a January 6, 2016 trade with the Spruce Grove Saints.
For more information, please contact:
Tom Keca, Head Coach and General Manager
Phone: (780) 881-3108
Email: coach@oilbarons.com