CALGARY, AB (December 1, 2012) — The Fort McMurray Oil Barons (13-13-3) have acquired 1994-born forward Hayden Dawes (Stony Plain, AB) and future considerations from the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in exchange for 1992-born forward Kevin Lacroix (St. Albert, AB).
Dawes is a 6'3″, 209-lb right wing who played 7 games for Flin Flon this year, scoring one goal. He played 3 games for the Canmore Eagles last year while scoring 40 points in 34 games for the Leduc Oil Kings Midget AAA team.
He added 10 points in 7 games at last year's Telus Cup.
“Dawes is a kid that we followed a lot in midget,” said head coach and general manager Gord Thibodeau. “[Associate coach] Tom [Keca] really liked his ability to score and his size.”
“We feel he's got some big offensive upside that he hasn't shown yet – he's been hurt in Flin Flon, and they're a pretty deep team.”
Lacroix was in his third year with the Barons, having scored 5 goals and 17 assists in 29 games played this year.
“There were probably about five serious bids,” said Thibodeau of the interest in Lacroix. “It's something that we've looked at off and on for the last couple of months.”
Thibodeau adds that he hopes the trade will give Lacroix an opportunity to rebound in his final year of junior eligibility.
“Kevin was struggling – you hate to see anyone struggle when they're in a twenty year old year looking for a scholarship.”
The Barons are in action tonight in Canmore at 7 PM, with pre-game coverage at 6:45 on Country 93.3.
(article courtesy MyMcMurray.com)